Research on Layered Fertilization Method of Fertilizer Applicator and Optimization of Key Parameters

Yabo Zhang, Tongxi Li, Dong Zhang, Xiuwen Fan, Hong Zhang and Hao Niu ()
Additional contact information
Yabo Zhang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Tongxi Li: College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Dong Zhang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Xiuwen Fan: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Hong Zhang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Hao Niu: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: To address the challenges of layered fertilization in orchards and the lack of dedicated equipment, this study proposes a layered fertilization technique based on the three-dimensional distribution characteristics of jujube root systems and develops an orchard layered fertilizer applicator. First, the agronomic advantages of layered fertilization were systematically elucidated by analyzing the spatial distribution patterns of jujube roots, as well as the mechanisms of fertilizer nutrient transport and uptake. Second, parametric design was conducted for key components (e.g., trenching–fertilizing unit), with emphasis on the structural design of the fertilizer-dividing box and the augerless spiral conveying mechanism. A three-factor, three-level experiment based on response surface methodology was implemented, where the coefficient of variation (CV) of fertilization uniformity and row consistency were selected as evaluation indices to optimize key parameters (forward speed, augerless spiral speed, and fertilizer gate opening). The optimal operational combination was determined as follows: forward speed of 2.62 km/h, augerless spiral speed of 29.87 r/min, and fertilizer gate opening of 3.49 cm. Field tests demonstrated that the CVs of fertilization uniformity and row consistency reached 7.77% and 8.46%, respectively, meeting the agronomic requirements for orchard fertilization. This study provides a reference for the development of orchard fertilization technologies and machinery.

Keywords: root system distribution; layered fertilization; fertilizer applicator; response surface methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/17/1876/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/17/1876/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:17:p:1876-:d:1741018

Access Statistics for this article

Agriculture is currently edited by Ms. Leda Xuan

More articles in Agriculture from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().