A new concept of Variable Rate Technology fertilizer applicator for oil palm

A new concept of Variable Rate Technology (VRT) fertilizer applicator for the oil palm was developed. Design calculations of the VRT fertilizer applicator components which include rotary valve, turbo blower, screw conveyor and fertilizer bin was carried out. A 3D model of the VRT fertilizer applicator was developed with Solid Works software. The VRT fertilizer applicator will be mounted on a 43.9 kW 4WD tractor specially designed for oil palm plantation terrain. The machine has a bin capacity of 1.20 tons, two 2.13 kg/s rotary valves, two 3.27 kW turbo blowers and an 11.70 kg/s screw conveyor. Each of these components will run on hydraulic motors that are powered by the auxiliary hydraulic power outlet on the 4WD tractor. It has the capability to increase yield and profit in the oil palm plantation. It is also anticipated to go a long way in ameliorating the environmental hazards associated with excessive fertilizer application on the oil palm plantation.