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To achieve real-time, site-specific variable-rate fertilization throughout the rice growth cycle and improve both operational efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency, a ground-based dual-disc centrifugal fertilizer applicator equipped with a uniforming cover was developed. The system integrates a near-ground spectral sensing unit, expert decision-making algorithm, and electro-mechanical actuator, and is controlled via a closed-loop feedback system based on an STM32F103 microcontroller to dynamically adjust the fertilizer rate according to crop demand. A three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment was designed with fertilizer discharge rate, disc rotation speed, and machine forward speed as input variables. The coefficient of variation (Cv) of particle distribution and the relative error of fertilizer rate (γ) were used as performance indicators. Experimental results showed that under the optimal parameter combination (q = 300 g/s, ω = 600 r/min, v = 1.2 m/s), the system achieved a Cv of 13.82% and a γ of 9.54%. Field trials further validated the system, yielding an average Cv of 14.62% and an average γ of 9.25%, confirming satisfactory uniformity and accuracy. To optimize the spreading performance, a simulation model was established using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). A rotating orthogonal design was conducted to investigate the effects of disc shape, number of vanes, and helical feed angle on spreading uniformity. Results indicated that the disc geometry had the most significant influence on Cv. The optimal configuration—disc curve ratio of 0.276, four vanes, and a feed angle of 47.02°—produced a minimum simulated Cv of 13.29%. The average relative error between simulated and measured values was 8.99%, demonstrating high reliability of the DEM model for performance prediction. In conclusion, the proposed centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer applicator effectively enhances spreading uniformity and rate control accuracy, meeting the demands of precision fertilization in paddy fields and providing a theoretical and technical foundation for upgrading conventional disc-based fertilization systems.

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Design and Modeling of the Centrifugal Variable-Rate Fertilizer Spreader

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • S. Hu,
  • Xuekai Huang,
  • Yinyan Shi,
  • J. Bo,
  • L. Xu,
  • L. Lin

摘要

To achieve real-time, site-specific variable-rate fertilization throughout the rice growth cycle and improve both operational efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency, a ground-based dual-disc centrifugal fertilizer applicator equipped with a uniforming cover was developed. The system integrates a near-ground spectral sensing unit, expert decision-making algorithm, and electro-mechanical actuator, and is controlled via a closed-loop feedback system based on an STM32F103 microcontroller to dynamically adjust the fertilizer rate according to crop demand. A three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment was designed with fertilizer discharge rate, disc rotation speed, and machine forward speed as input variables. The coefficient of variation (Cv) of particle distribution and the relative error of fertilizer rate (γ) were used as performance indicators. Experimental results showed that under the optimal parameter combination (q = 300 g/s, ω = 600 r/min, v = 1.2 m/s), the system achieved a Cv of 13.82% and a γ of 9.54%. Field trials further validated the system, yielding an average Cv of 14.62% and an average γ of 9.25%, confirming satisfactory uniformity and accuracy. To optimize the spreading performance, a simulation model was established using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). A rotating orthogonal design was conducted to investigate the effects of disc shape, number of vanes, and helical feed angle on spreading uniformity. Results indicated that the disc geometry had the most significant influence on Cv. The optimal configuration—disc curve ratio of 0.276, four vanes, and a feed angle of 47.02°—produced a minimum simulated Cv of 13.29%. The average relative error between simulated and measured values was 8.99%, demonstrating high reliability of the DEM model for performance prediction. In conclusion, the proposed centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer applicator effectively enhances spreading uniformity and rate control accuracy, meeting the demands of precision fertilization in paddy fields and providing a theoretical and technical foundation for upgrading conventional disc-based fertilization systems.