The Design of an Automatic Proportional Electronic Flow Control System for Applying Agricultural Pesticides

The following research work focused on designing an electronic control system proportional to the height of target plants to optimize the use of pesticides in the agricultural sector, in order to reduce the risk of human intoxication by direct contact. This design also aims to reduce the imminent effects from the contamination of ecosystems due to the excessive use of agrochemicals for pest control, which carry a series of risks if they are not properly managed. This device allows, through the use of infrared range sensors, for obtaining individualized data on each plant or vegetable for fumigation, such as their position and size in the fields. The VDI 2206 design methodology was use as a basis for this design. As a result, a mechatronic spraying device with proportional control governed by an embedded system that processes information collected by proximity sensors was acquired to customize selective dosages to each plant. This chapter concludes that proportional control is suitable for this remote system because it not only allows the farmer to remain isolated from pesticides but also has a high response time, which is ideal for selectively applying agrochemicals.