Work on robotic nitrogen applicator steers industry toward tree-level management.
University researchers in Oregon and Washington are developing a robot that fertilizes an orchard with the ideal amount of nutrients, tree by tree.
Informed by smart sensors, artificial intelligence technology, historical data and vigor indicators, the automated tool sprays the ground beneath each individual tree with a precise amount of nitrogen.
“You could get more bang for your buck,” said Joe Davidson, associate professor of robotics at Oregon State University.
