Site-specific fertiliser application requires different types of input data. These data can be gathered and processed with three different strategies (“mapping approach”, “sensor approach” and “real-time approach with map overlay”). The IKB project uses the “real-time approach with map overlay” to gather historical data and data on actual growth conditions that allow compliance with environmental laws. In order to implement this approach, an In-field Controller which supervises, controls and documents infield activities is required. It fuses on-line sensor measurements with map overlay by the means of an expert system to derive application rates. The objective of the thesis is to perform a feasibility study for using an In-field Controller with an expert system for site-specific fertilisation. This analysis takes into account the real-time requirements for the In-field Controller to process the data, the data quality and the quality of rules. It was shown that it is possible for the In-field Controller to process the data in “real-time” within certain limits. These are the number of data sources (maps and sensors) and rules applied in the process. According to the conducted work the quality of data and rules has to be assured, so that a correct derivation of application rates can be achieved. Incorrect data may cause conflicts when implying contradicting application rates. Therefore the data have to be analysed to correct or remove erroneous data. Map data can be pre-processed, while sensor data have to be analysed by the expert system. The rules have to be defined based on scientific work. In the subproject 12 of the IKB9 Weigert defined some rules, which are being tested on the field to assure reliable rules. Weigert proposes an interesting attempt in which the generation of decision rules is carried out for site specific N-fertilisation by the use of data mining-methods within a Management Information System.      «

Site-specific fertiliser application requires different types of input data. These data can be gathered and processed with three different strategies (“mapping approach”, “sensor approach” and “real-time approach with map overlay”). The IKB project uses the “real-time approach with map overlay” to gather historical data and data on actual growth conditions that allow compliance with environmental laws. In order to implement this approach, an In-field Controller which supervises, controls and d...     »