Detection of anchoring columns in low trellis
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Kamýcká 129, 16521 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic; *Correspondence: dhoffmann@tf.czu.cz
Abstract:
Low trellis of hop field was emerged in the Czech Republic in the mid-nineties of the 20th century. Growing hops in a low trellis has already been tested in 1991 by Hop Research Institute Ltd. in Žatec. However, at that time, the lack of adequate (the dwarf) varieties and special techniques prevent to their expansion. For full use low trellis is necessary mechanization, that is already currently being developed. The main advantage of growing hops at low trellis is costs reduce. Some experts say cost reduction to 50%. Cost reduction is the result of simplifying the spring and harvest work (using a mobile harvester). Currently, a prototype of a mechanical cutter is tested in field conditions. Activity of mechanical cutter is now controlled directly by the tractor driver. This control of mechanical cutter (or rather inter-axle carrier on which it is cutter mounted) puts on the tractor driver too high demands on precision. Failure to comply with the conditions set comes in contact the trimming disc with anchor pillar and the mutual damage. The movement of inter-axle carrier would therefore be appropriate automatically. But at first, it is necessary to solve recognition (detection) anchoring columns of the low trellis. During the cutting of hops needed to ensure the most accurate copy of the columns by the trimming disc, to be trimmed hop vines and hops growing in close proximity (distance hops from the anchoring column is about 150 mm). The paper presents several types of sensors and describes their advantages and disadvantages. For laboratory test was developed model low trellis comprising also hop vine, at which were referred sensors tested. This article analyzes the measured results of individual sensors and it is shown, that not all sensors are suitable for this field application. In conclusion are recommendations for follow-up research.