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Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Precision farming is
becoming increasingly important for the agricultural sector. Minerals are getting
more expensive and scarce and it is more and more important to apply them in a
precise manner. D-TEC has developed the solution for this by fitting a manure
tank trailer with a Near Infra-Red sensor. This sensor can measure the levels
of nutrients including nitrogen,
phosphate and potassium in real time.
Pilot test Near Infra-Red on D-TEC manure tank trailer
D-TEC has been working on making Near Infra-Red usable on manure tank
trailers for more than one and a half year. Seven long-distance vehicles have
now been fitted with a NIR test set-up. In the test set-up D-TEC uses different
sensors, including sensors produced by John Deere. A calibration model will be
developed in order to make this technology suitable for future use in
agriculture. D-TEC constantly monitors manure
transports of the vehicles that are fitted with this sensor technology and
analyses and processes this data in order to produce an effective calibration
model. The NIR sensor technology combined with the calibration model allow the
real time monitoring of the various nutrients in the manure. D-TEC is
developing this model in cooperation with the Catholic University of Leuven
(B).
Video Near Infrared Technology
The manure is measured by a Near Infra-Red (NIR) sensor in the sampling tube
of the tank, enabling real time
detection of the levels in the manure (nitrogen, phosphate). The
composition of the various nutrients (including nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium) in slurry can differ significantly, both between different animal
species and within a single batch of slurry. A D-TEC manure tank trailer fitted
with a NIR sensor offers end users the possibility
to be able to anticipate on the composition of the manure in real time. Nutrients
can be added until the correct proportions of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium
have been achieved. This means that the user can apply the total manure
requirement on a parcel in a single processing action.
Pilot with the Dutch government
The Netherlands is a pioneer in the field of regulations governing
manure transportation (2006) and sampling (1997). D-TEC is one of the suppliers
of sampling systems and ADR units (Automatic Data Registration). The government
expressed the desire to start a pilot with Near Infra-Red. It wishes to use
this pilot to evaluate whether Near Infra-Red can be used for the registration
of manure transports and sampling. Several Dutch manufacturers, including D-TEC,
were approached in order to participate in this pilot.
Near Infra-Red will produce cost savings
Many arable farmers spread animal slurry on their crops. This produces a
significant financial benefit in relation to artificial fertiliser. After all,
you have to pay for artificial fertiliser, while also animal manure can be
obtained whereby you frequently even receive money for it. Analysing a batch of
slurry in advance with a Near Infra-Red Sensor facilitates more accurate
manuring. This produces a saving of between € 30 and € 60 per hectare for those
arable farmers who already use slurry. The difference with manuring with
artificial fertiliser is even greater, a saving of approximately € 140 per
hectare.
Presentation at
Agritechnica
From 10 to 14 November
D-TEC will present the new Near Infra-Red technology at the Agritechnica in
Hannover. (Hall 22, Stand B07).
Below some pictures of the live-demonstration on 25th June 2015.
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