AUTOMATION DESIGN FOR ACCURATE DOSAGE DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZER ON PLANTING PROCESS OF INDUSTRIAL PLANTATION FOREST

• Main Author: Christopher, Peter
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/62120
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Primary industries in Indonesia steadily consume more wood each year, but within legal bounds, it is impossible for the wood production to meet this demand. Increase of production Hutan Tanaman Industri (HTI) is required to equalize consumption. Fertilizer used in planting holds a great influence on HTI growth. Accuracy and consistency of fertilizer dosage plays an important role of ensuring optimal production and production speed. Fertilizing mechanization becomes one of the solution alternatives as current process is done manually. Sinarmas Forestry (SMF) propose to collaborate with ITB to design a fertilizer distributor system (fertilizer applicator) which capable to give fertilizer with accurate and variable dosage. Automation of the applicator is designed in this study, while mechanical design is done in related study. The designed applicator uses auger feeder concept, mass distribution is done by a combination of controlled auger movement and mass metering system. Mass measurement is done by measuring strain of cantilever shaft using strain gauges. Analysis result shows largest theoretical mass error is ±0,846gram with applicable dosage variation 30-85gram. Working procedures of the applicator and the electrical wiring diagram is explained in the text.