AMAZONE EasyMatch

Innovative fertilizer 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 fertilizer spreaders has always been getting the correct setting. Finding the right fertilizer in the extensive setting charts is often difficult. The AI-based EasyMatch recognition system from AMAZONE identifies the right fertilizer 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 fertilizer and provides the correct spreader settings at the touch of a button. The result is quick and precise adjustment to the right fertilizer - for every AMAZONE spreader. This saves time, increases precision and improves fertilisation efficiency.

The challenge: product diversity on the global fertilizer 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 fertilizer market is increasing, and, with it, the requirement to find the correct fertilizer spreader settings. In addition, the same fertilizers are sold under a wide variety of trade names - fertilizer databases with thousands of recommended settings are the result. Thanks to decades of experience and intensive cooperation with fertilizer manufacturers, virtually every fertilizer has been tested in the AMAZONE fertilizer laboratory, but in practice often only the product group (for example, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)) of the fertilizer to be spread is known, but not the specific product. Subsequently, it is difficult to distinguish between the different fertilizers. 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 fertilizers. Previous solutions for fertilizer identification, such as manual shaker boxes or fertilizer 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 fertilizer sample by post to the manufacturer of the fertilizer spreader - is time-consuming and often not feasible logistically. In practice, this often leads to an unknown fertilizer being selected from the suitable fertilizer group to the best of one’s knowledge. This results in incorrect fertilizer spreader settings, poor lateral distribution and negative effects on yield and the environment.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) for automatic fertilizer 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 fertilizer on a smartphone and a handy reference template. AI compares this offline with the ‘fingerprints’ stored in the fertilizer database. The correct setting recommendations for the fertilizer 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 fertilizer spreader on the market. This saves time, increases efficiency and simultaneously conserves resources. In an increasingly diversified global fertilizer 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 fertilizer 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 fertilizer, thanks to AI and the Spreader Application Center's decades of experience.