Sonar Sensing Predicated Automatic Spraying Technology for Orchards

Wastage of chemical inputs and environmental degradation have been a serious issues with conventional methods of pesticide application in agricultural and horticultural engenderment, resulting in fruit poisoning. A tractor-operated low-cost, ultrasonic sensor predicated selective pesticide sprayer was developed and tested for efficient spraying on the plant canopy and to abstain from spraying in canopy absentia. Sensing technology was interfaced with programmed Atmega328P for automatic spray control through pump, solenoid valves and nozzles. The sensing signals instigated the microcontroller system for desired spraying. The sprayer was evaluated with two different types of nozzles for optimal input resulting in best spray coverage and impact fruit infection. Water sensitive papers were used for estimation of spray characteristics. The turbo nozzle sprayer resulted in 47.41% of spray coverage, 171 drops/cm² with 26% of pesticide savings and considerably prevented fruit infection up to 95.64%. This proved to be much better than hollow cone nozzle spraying. The technology was provisioned for boom height and nozzle angle adjustment as per canopy geometry. The ultrasonic sensor sprayer was designed for low cost and precise pesticide spraying especially for marginal farmers, thereby reducing both costs and environmental pollution by plant protection products.