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An Automated Metering System for the Experimental Application of Sprinkler‐Applied Nitrogen Fertilizer
Author(s) -
Lauer D. A.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1983.03615995004700020035x
Subject(s) - metering mode , fertilizer , control system , injector , environmental science , computer science , automotive engineering , irrigation scheduling , process engineering , engineering , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , soil science , soil water
The automated metering system for experiments with high‐frequency sprinkler application of N fertilizer consists of three basic components: (i) storage, mixing, and transfer, (ii) metering, and (iii) control. A main feature of the metering component is a calibrated storage device made from vertically mounted polyvinyl chloride pipes connected to a valve manifold. This device allows for continuous monitoring of N application and fertilizer injector pump performance. The device also provides 15 volume combinations which can accommodated a wide range of experimental sprinkler‐applied N treatments. The control component uses off‐the‐shelf programmable irrigation controllers. Integrated circuit timers and clocks in these controllers make it possible to synchronize several different controllers which allows simultaneous but independent scheduling of irrigation and fertilization. These controllers can be used in various combinations of parallel and sequential operation to provide a flexible control system. The metering system was used successfully in 1981 for a series of experiments with high‐frequency irrigation and N fertilization of potatoes.