AMAZONE EasyMatch

Innovative fertiliser detection using artificial intelligence

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 features a user-friendly selection aid for unknown products based on a photo. Using artificial intelligence, the system analyses the core physical properties such as the granule size, shape and structure of the fertiliser and generates an overview of matching fertilisers at the touch of a button. The fertilisers are sorted on the basis of visual matching. The result is a quick and comfortable set-up - for every AMAZONE spreader. This saves time, simplifies the setting process and improves fertilisation efficiency.

The challenge: product diversity on the global fertiliser market

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. The various fertilisers are difficult to differentiate with the naked eye. 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 parameters via a photograph taken of the fertiliser on a smartphone and using a handy reference template. After the main nutrient has been entered, AI compares it with the database stored on the smartphone. The products which fit best according to the visual match are then displayed at the touch of a button – irrespective of product names or packaging. This means that, for the first time in practice, setting recommendations can be given even for unknown spreading materials. This saves up to 30 minutes at the start of spreading, reduces the risk of incorrect settings, and increases the spreading quality in the field.

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 very easily accessible worldwide. Thanks to the offline function, the system is available everywhere, even without a mobile phone network. The result is a simple and comfortable set-up for unknown spreading materials for any AMAZONE fertiliser spreader on the market. This saves time, increases efficiency and simultaneously conserves inputs. 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.

EasyMatch- intuitive fertiliser recognition from a photo

• Simple selection guide even for unknown fertiliser brands
• Quick and comfortable set-up of any AMAZONE fertiliser spreader
• Saves time and simplifies the set-up process
• Completely integrated into the central mySpreader setting App
• Can also be used offline