Background on Appropriate Precision Farming for Enhancing the ...

MESSAGE FROM Mr. Bing Zhao, Chief of the United Nations Centre for SustainableAgricultural Mechanization (UNCSAM)Rice is the major crop for millions living in the Asia-Pacific, and 90 per cent of the world'soutput of rice is produced and consumed within Asia. Millions grow their own rice and aredependent on sales of surplus rice to provide them with cash to purchase other necessities.Although most Asian rice farms are small holders, they employ intensive labor practices inplace of mechanization. With limited land, huge population and food insecurity exacerbated bythe lingering effects of the global financial crisis and climate change, a viable option to createfood surpluses is by increasing land productivity via the introduction of efficient and adaptableprecision farming technology for rice production farming systems in the region.UNCSAM is very grateful for the technical support from the Malaysian Agricultural Researchand Development Institute (MARDI) in working vigorously on bringing this key workshop to asuccessful fruition. A special thanks to the researchers of the Mechanization and AutomationResearch Center of MARDI, for graciously sharing their research findings at this workshop,aimed at improving the efficiency of rice production in the region.Through substantive and close collaboration with key country focal points such as MARDI,UNCSAM is privileged to work with its members on sharing and promoting sustainableagricultural technologies that can enable Asia-Pacific countries to realize the dual goals ofintensifying agricultural production and achieving environmental sustainability.3

Rice crop growth monitoring using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system and image processing techniques(images provided by MARDI).Two approaches were established for field data collections i.e. manual sampling in grid formfor small plots and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -based image capturing for larger areas.The collected data or below-cloud images captured by the UAV are transferred for processingby a computer. The manually collected data of SPAD and GAI are processed to produceSPAD and GAI maps while the captured mosaic images are processed into SPAD and GAIimages. The data and processed images of the SPAD meter reading and canopy size are thensent to the treatment map processing and production unit. The formula for calculating variablerate fertilizer nitrogen has been developed from the GAI model. The formula includes variableparameters of grown crops and fixed reference crops data, which will allow the grown crops tobe manipulated toward a reference crop to achieve higher yield with adequate application ofnitrogen fertilizer.After calculating nitrogen fertilizer requirements, the normal procedure is to estimate thefertilizer NPK 5 based on the NPK ratio. The treatment map, which indicates the amount offertilizer to be applied, based on the management zone is produced. For manual application ofthe fertilizer, the field was marked with stick poles to differentiate areas of different fertilizerrate to be applied. A backpack motor blower was used to spread the fertilizer. The variable rateapplicator (VRA) 6 , a tractor driven implement was used, consisting of a monitor, speed sensor,and actuator for controlling the metering device opening, the spreader and global positioningsystem (GPS).The treatment map is installed into the field computer and connected to VRA monitor. TheVRA monitor is now linked to the field computer. The field computer will read from thetreatment maps the fertilizer quantity and field location to be applied and signals theinformation to the VRA monitor. The field location is guided through the tractor mounted GPS.Once the spreader reaches the position signal by the field computer, the VRA monitor willtrigger the metering device controller to control the spreader orifice at a specific size,5 The three numbers on a fertilizer label represent an analysis of the composition by weight. These three numberscorrespond to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) and always appear in that specific order.6 Variable-rate fertilizer application allows crop producers to apply different rates of fertilizer at each location acrossfields. The technology needed to accomplish variable-rate fertilization includes an in-cab computer and software with afield zone application map, fertilizer equipment capable of changing rates during operation and the Global PositioningSystem (GPS). The fertilizer rate at specific locations within fields is based on the geo-referenced field zone map on thein-cab computer. The system includes a vehicle-mounted GPS unit to monitor field locations, allowing the computer tochange the application rate between zones. Electronic communication between the in-cab computer and the rate controlleron the application machine functions to change the fertilizer rate across the field.7

equivalent to the required amount. MARDI studies have indicated that the fertilizer saving foreach plot is about 10 to 15 per cent. The saving is mostly due to the farmer’s field having lessshoot population as compared to reference crop data.4. The Development of Vision-Based Variable Rate ApplicatorCurrent mechanized chemical applications for weeds, pest and disease in many Asiancountries use either a knapsack or 4-wheel tractor mounted motorized blower. Usually a singleapplication rate is practiced. Effective use of agriculture chemical inputs requires the use ofvariable rate technology (VRT) whereby agricultural chemical inputs are variably appliedaccording to the site-specific requirements. Many commercial VRT applicators are large sizeand heavy. This creates many restrictions to the adaptation of these commercial VRT systemsunder the smaller and soft soil farm environments in many of the Asian countries.Firstly, a CCD camera-based system was successfully developed to apply variable rateagricultural inputs based on the information gathered and processed by the CCD camerasensor systems as the machine traverses the planting area.Spot application of chemical in paddy field is common and effective but labour intensive.Effective and efficient use of agriculture chemical inputs requires the use of variable rateapplication (VRA) whereby agricultural chemical inputs are variably applied according to sitespecificneeds. A map-based VRA can be tedious involving intensive field data collections anddata processing before it can be transferred for field application. The CCD camera sensorsystem can minimize these processes and is able to apply chemicals on the go near real time.Secondly, most commercial VRT applicators from the advance countries are heavy and largein size which is not suitable under many of the Asian soft and wet rice field conditions. Thedevelopment of an adapted 12 hp lightweight high clearance tractor fitted with a CCD camera,image processor, controller and solenoid valves for real time chemical application works wellmeeting the needs of users based on local conditions. With such technology now in hand,interest among farmers is growing especially as such systems can be applied with farmerssharing the cost of such technologies.For further modalities on the above technologies, please visit the MARDI website at:www.mardi.my/UNCSAM does not endorse commercial products or companies even though reference may be made to tradenames,trademarks or service names.This publication may be copied for non-commercial, educational purposes in its entirety with no changes.Requests to use any portion of the document (including text, graphics or photos) should be sent toinfo@unapcaem.org. Include exactly what is requested for use and how it will be used.8

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSAppropriate Precision Farming Technology – Opportunities for SME’sC.W. Chan;Paddy field plot boundary extraction and fertilizer treatment maps using remote sensingtechniqueC.C.Teoh, C.W.Chan, Abu. H. DVariable Rate Seeding Technology For Rice FarmingAyob, A.H.1, Abu Hasan, D.2 and Mohd Fakhrul Zaman, O.3Precision Farming Technology for Variable Rate Fertilizer ApplicationD. Abu Hassan 11, H. Ayob 21, C. C. Teo 21, F. Z. Fakrul Radzi 31 and I. Mohd. Zainal 21The Development of Vision-Based Variable Rate ApplicatorC.W. Chan;9