AMAZONE EasyMatch

Innovative fertiliser detection using artificial intelligence

With EasyMatch, a digital fingerprint is determined by artificial intelligence (AI) based on multiple factors

EasyMatch uses artificial intelligence (AI) to determine a digital fingerprint, based on multiple factors, and automatically loads the setting recommendations for the fertiliser from the database.

The central challenge with fertiliser spreaders has always been getting the correct setting. Finding the right fertiliser in the extensive setting charts is often difficult. The AI-based EasyMatch recognition system from AMAZONE identifies the right fertiliser by photographic image - the only one of its kind in the world. Using artificial intelligence, the system analyses the core physical properties such as granule size, shape and structure of the fertiliser and provides the correct spreader settings at the touch of a button. The result is quick and precise adjustment to the right fertiliser - for every AMAZONE spreader. This saves time, increases precision and improves fertilisation efficiency.

The challenge: product diversity on the global fertiliser market

Laboratory analysis - for example, by sending a 5 kg fertiliser sample by post to the manufacturer of the fertiliser spreader – takes time and is hardly feasible internationally.

The variety of products on the global fertiliser market is increasing, and, with it, the requirement to find the correct fertiliser spreader settings. In addition, the same fertilisers are sold under a wide variety of trade names - fertiliser databases with thousands of recommended settings are the result. Thanks to decades of experience and intensive cooperation with fertiliser manufacturers, virtually every fertiliser has been tested in the AMAZONE fertiliser laboratory, but in practice often only the product group (for example, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)) of the fertiliser to be spread is known, but not the specific product. Subsequently, it is difficult to distinguish between the different fertilisers. This makes it increasingly difficult to find the right setting recommendations which are essential for a uniform spread pattern. Incorrect settings result in poor lateral distribution and

until now there has been no practical way of objectively and accurately identifying unfamiliar fertilisers. Previous solutions for fertiliser identification, such as manual shaker boxes or fertiliser comparison charts, often only give a rough indication. Important factors such as shape and surface finish are not taken into account. Subjective selection procedures can only be used to narrow down to product groups, but not to identify the specific product. This manual categorisation is not only error-prone, but also very time-consuming. Laboratory analysis - for example by sending a 5 kg fertiliser sample by post to the manufacturer of the fertiliser spreader - is time-consuming and often not feasible logistically. In practice, this often leads to an unknown fertiliser being selected from the suitable fertiliser group to the best of one’s knowledge. This results in incorrect fertiliser spreader settings, poor lateral distribution and negative effects on yield and the environment.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) for automatic fertiliser recognition - Intuitive and practical for correct spreader settings

The AI-based EasyMatch recognition system generates a digital fingerprint with over 250 physical parameters by taking a photograph of the fertiliser on a smartphone and a handy reference template. AI compares this offline with the ‘fingerprints’ stored in the fertiliser database. The correct setting recommendations for the fertiliser in question are provided at the touch of a button. The system immediately provides precise setting recommendations, without the need for laboratory analysis or time-consuming tests - regardless of product name or packaging. This means that, for the first time in practice, any spreader can be set to spread unknown materials. This saves up to 30 minutes at the start of spreading, reduces incorrect settings, and increases quality.

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In practice, the specific product is often not known, only the product group, for example, CAN is known. This can involve a wide variety of products. Incorrect selection results in poor lateral distribution. EasyMatch uses AI to automatically recognise a fertiliser by photograph and finds the correct fertiliser at the touch of a button.

Central mySpreader App

EasyMatch is fully integrated into the mySpreader App and can be used free of charge by all farmers. This makes the expertise of the AMAZONE spreading hall accessible worldwide. Thanks to the offline function, the system is available everywhere, even without a mobile phone network. This enables simple and reliable basic settings for unknown materials to be spread for every AMAZONE fertiliser spreader on the market. This saves time, increases efficiency and simultaneously conserves resources. In an increasingly diversified global fertiliser market, EasyMatch is making an important contribution to sustainable and digital agriculture.

In combination with the EasyCheck digital test stand, lateral distribution can also be tested using a smartphone and the EasyCheck mats. This means that deviating fertiliser batches can also be optimally adjusted to the actual distribution in the field. The mySpreader App thus offers a central tool for adjusting AMAZONE spreaders quickly and easily to any fertiliser, thanks to AI and the Spreader Application Center's decades of experience.