Mapping the spatial distribution of mineral fertilizer applications with digital image processing

Thus far, spread pattern checks in mineral fertilizer applications require the labour intensive use of collection bins. Counting fertilizer granules by digital image processing, however, would allow work quality during fertilizing to be checked continuously and without time shift, and would enable collection of data for mapping of fertilizer distribution as actually applied. As part of the development of a novel method, trials are therefore being carried out under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effects of the fertilizer granule properties and the conditions on the detection rate. The possible range of application of such a system is shown, whereupon the use of this technique in practice is discussed.