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Smart Fertilizer Dispenser
A large farming corporation approached us with a major issue: they needed a more efficient way to manage fertilizer use across their fields. Their old methods led to wasted resources, uneven crop growth, and environmental concerns. We saw this as an opportunity to create a Smart Fertilizer Dispenser that would change their operations for the better.
The Challenge
The farming company managed thousands of acres and struggled with inefficient fertilizer distribution. Fertilizer was being applied uniformly across all fields, resulting in some areas receiving too much and others too little. This imbalance not only wasted fertilizer and increased costs but also led to uneven crop growth and fertilizer runoff, which polluted nearby water bodies.
The company needed a solution that would monitor soil conditions and apply the right amount of fertilizer in each area, optimizing growth while reducing waste and environmental impact.
Why We Built the Solution?
In addition to improving farm efficiency, the farm faced pressure from new European Union regulations aimed at reducing agricultural pollution. The EU’s stricter guidelines on fertilizer use require farms to limit nutrient runoff to protect the environment. Over-fertilization is now a significant concern, as it leads to water pollution and soil degradation.
The farming corporation wanted to comply with these new regulations while maintaining or even improving productivity. This meant finding a way to deliver nutrients precisely and responsibly. Our Smart Fertilizer Dispenser was designed to meet these goals by:
- Reducing over-fertilization and minimizing nutrient runoff.
- Improving nutrient efficiency, ensuring crops receive the right amount of fertilizer at the right time.
- Helping the farm meet EU environmental standards and avoid potential penalties.
Technologies We Used
We used a range of technologies to create a precise and reliable system
ESP32 microcontroller
Managed the sensors and controlled the fertilizer dispenser
Soil sensors
Monitored real-time data on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium levels, soil moisture, and pH
FreeRTOS
Ensured smooth, real-time operation of the system, processing sensor inputs and controlling the dispenser
Node.js
Powered the backend to store and analyze data from the farm
Machine learning algorithms
Predicted fertilizer needs based on soil conditions, weather data, and historical patterns
Angular
Built a user-friendly web and mobile app for farm managers to monitor and control the system
MQTT
Enabled fast communication between devices across large distances
Solar-powered sensors
Allowed the system to run in remote areas using solar energy, making it efficient and sustainable
Testing and Field Trials
We began with lab testing, simulating various soil conditions to ensure the system responded correctly by adjusting fertilizer levels. We also ran durability tests to confirm the system could withstand different weather conditions.
Once lab testing was complete, we deployed the system on a 200-acre test field, where it monitored soil data and applied fertilizer automatically for several months. The system continuously adjusted based on real-time data, and feedback from the farm staff helped us refine the app’s interface for ease of use.
How It Helped the Farm?
The Smart Fertilizer Dispenser brought significant improvements to the farm. It boosted crop yields by 15% by providing the crops with exactly the right nutrients when needed. The system also reduced fertilizer costs by 20%, as it minimized waste by applying only the required amounts.
Additionally, the farm was able to meet the EU’s strict environmental standards, significantly reducing fertilizer runoff and protecting nearby rivers and lakes. By ensuring compliance, the farm avoided penalties and contributed to a healthier ecosystem.
The ability to monitor and control the system remotely through a mobile app gave farm managers more flexibility, allowing them to make data-driven decisions and save time.