- Precise fertiliser application even around corners
Amazone was awarded the silver medal in the Agritechnica Innovation Awards 2023 for precise fertiliser application around a curve – The CurveControl software option adjusts the lateral distribution to the various cornering speeds and corrects the movement of the spread pattern in centrifugal fertiliser broadcasters when driving around bends.
This results in more uniform crops and helps prevent undesired over-fertilisation inside the bend as well as fertiliser placement beyond the field boundary.
Curve compensation has already been implemented by Amazone in crop protection sprayers. However, the sprayer boom is located tight behind the physical pivot point of the machine. The application rate only has to be adjusted within the boom width for curve compensation.
The throwing distance of a centrifugal broadcaster is up to twice the working width and the application area is many metres behind the spreader depending on the type of fertiliser. Furthermore, the spread fan is kidney-shaped. In addition to the rate adjustment on the inside the bend, the movement of the spread pattern from the spreader must first and foremost be counteracted.
All this demands detailed knowledge of the way that the spreading unit works with the various fertilisers along with a corresponding complex implementation of a control algorithm. CurveControl therefore requires an exceptionally high degree of innovation and complexity for a fertiliser spreader.
The current state of the art of modern centrifugal broadcasters has the disadvantage that over- and under-fertilised areas inside of the working width occur when negotiating bends as a result of different speeds. This effect is amplified by the combination of forward speed and swivelling of the spread pattern caused by the steering angle. This means that significant over-fertilisation arises in some areas as a result of these multiple overlaps, whereas gaps occur in other areas.
In addition to this, the swivelling of the spread fan at the edge of the field causes fertiliser to be applied beyond the field boundary. This must be avoided without fail with regard to resource conservation and to abide to the applicable regulations.
CurveControl is being developed as a software option for the ZA-TS mounted fertiliser spreader and the ZG-TS trailed fertiliser spreader.
CurveControl prevents under- and over-fertilisation, which is undesirable from an ecological and economic point of view, and thereby minimises the risk of nutrients leaching into the ground water. Furthermore, incorrect application beyond the field boundary when negotiating bends is prevented by CurveControl. In addition to this, CurveControl can further improve the environmentally-friendly use of mineral fertiliser in combination with existing solutions such as ArgusTwin, WindControl and GPS part-width section control.
In summary, CurveControl closes an important, frequently underestimated gap and provides even distribution in all areas of the field. It will not only make a key contribution to environmental protection but will also improve the cost benefit result for every application.
Related news:
