Development and Laboratory Test of an Injection System for the Tractor Operated Liquid Urea Applicator

This study investigates the development of an injection system incorporating an electronic metering mechanism for a tractor-operated applicator, designed to inject liquid urea beneath straw mulch. The primary objective of the system is to achieve continuous, uniform, and precise injection of liquid urea, optimizing fertilizer application in agricultural fields. The injection process is independently controlled by the speed of the rotary wheel, while the flow rate of the fertilizer is regulated by the system’s pump pressure. A laboratory testbed was developed to monitor and evaluate the liquid flow, with a focus on flow characteristics and uniformity. Three experimental factors were considered: wheel revolution speed, injector outlet diameter, and system pressure. Experimental results indicated that the system’s performance was highly consistent, with a homogeneity index of 5.53% at an injector outlet diameter of 5 mm and a system pressure of 330 psi. These findings demonstrate that the injection system is capable of maintaining uniform flow and consistent fertilizer application, suggesting its suitability for efficient use in agricultural practices where precision and consistency are critical for maximizing crop yield and minimizing waste.