ALGORITHMIC CONTROL MODEL FOR FERTILIZER MIXTURE DOSING FOR A PNEUMATIC BOOM SPREADER

DOI 10.31588/2073-0462-2026-21-1-99-109 УДК / UDC 631.333:631.171 EDN: PRETOZ

Authors

Keywords:

fertilizer mixture, dosing, precision farming, pneumatic boom unit, algorithm, closed-loop system.

Abstract

Research on precision farming technologies implementation at Stavropol State Agrarian University, conducted from 2012 to 2025, revealed high variability in the concentration of key nutrients within a single field. An analysis of scientific research revealed that there are no solutions for fieldbased fertilizer mixing using a specialized unit, equipped with three compartments for storing singlecomponent mineral fertilizers with individual dispensers, ensuring precise dosing of each element with simultaneous application. The aim of this study is to develop an algorithmic model for an automated control system for simultaneous dosing of fertilizer mixture nutrients for pneumatic boom spreaders. Methodology included field experiments with automated sampling, NPK mapping in AGRO MAP and development of a dosing system for three fertilizers for a pneumatic unit. An algorithm with an error of Δ = 3–5% was developed. Simulation modeling was performed in Python (PID controller, Ziegler–Nichols method) for speeds of 5-25 km/h and densities of 900–1300 kg/m3 (225 calculations) with the construction of error maps. The modeling results showed that the system ensures that the actual flow rate returns to the set value within the permissible error (Δ = 3–5%) within no more than 3 seconds after the onset of a disturbance. Parametric modeling across a speed range of 5-25 km/h and bulk densities of 900-1300 kg/m3 confirmed the algorithm’s robustness: the average dosing error was 2.9%, the maximum was 4.7% and the 5% tolerance was less than 2%. Using a closed-loop system reduces the average dosing error from 15-20% (for traditional open-loop systems) to 3–5%, which meets agronomic requirements. The control system with developed algorithm enables verification and adjustment of both the total application rate and the application rate of each NPK component individually.

Information about the authors

Sergey Dmitrievich Ridnyy , Stavropol State Agrarian University (12, Zootekhnichesky Lane, Stavropol, 355017, Russian Federation)

Ph.D. of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of Basic Department of Agroindustrial Complex Machines and Technologies

Egor Vladimirovich Kulaev , Stavropol State Agrarian University (12, Zootekhnichesky Lane, Stavropol, 355017, Russian Federation)

Ph.D. of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of Basic Department of Agroindustrial Complex Machines and Technologies

Anatoliy Anatolevich Dimitrov , Stavropol State Agrarian University (12, Zootekhnichesky Lane, Stavropol, 355017, Russian Federation)

Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, Physics and Occupational Safety Department 

Damir Tagirovich Khaliullin , Kazan State Agrarian University (65, Karla Marksa St., Kazan, 420015, Russian Federation)

Ph.D. of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of Agribusiness Machinery and Equipment Department 

Maksim Alekseevich Mastepanenko , Stavropol State Agrarian University (12, Zootekhnichesky Lane, Stavropol, 355017, Russian Federation)

Ph.D. of Technical Sciences, Director of Mechanics and Power Engineering Institute 

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Published

2026-07-22

How to Cite

Ridnyy С. Д., Kulaev Е. В., Dimitrov А. А., Khaliullin Д. Т., & Mastepanenko М. А. (2026). ALGORITHMIC CONTROL MODEL FOR FERTILIZER MIXTURE DOSING FOR A PNEUMATIC BOOM SPREADER: DOI 10.31588/2073-0462-2026-21-1-99-109 УДК / UDC 631.333:631.171 EDN: PRETOZ. Vestnik of Kazan State Agrarian University, 21(1). Retrieved from http://vestnik-kazgau.ru/index.php/vestnik/article/view/339