EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE EFFICIENCY OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR PRECISE FERTILIZER APPLICATION TO INCREASE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study presents research on the effectiveness of using the autonomous robotic system "AgroBot-PN" for the spot application of liquid fertilizers during pre-sowing preparation. Improving the efficiency of mineral fertilizer use is a key component of resource-saving agriculture in the context of rising prices for agrochemicals and stricter environmental requirements. The objective of this study was to compare the agrotechnical and economic effectiveness of an autonomous robotic system for precision (pre-sowing) regulation of starter fertilizers under sunflower compared to the conservative broadcast method. In a 2025 field experiment on leached chernozem, a two-factor plan was used: the application method (robotic point and round broadcast) and fertilizer rates (N30P30K30 and N45P45K45). It was found that robotic precision application significantly reduces fertilizer consumption by ~35% while maintaining yield, increasing the fertilizer utilization coefficient by 25–30%, and increasing seed oil content by 1.5–2.0%. An analysis of variance revealed a first-stage reduction in yield (F=87.42; p<0.001). An economic analysis revealed a 33.3% reduction in fertilizer costs and an 18% increase in sunflower cultivation profitability. Practical recommendations for considering robotic systems in row crop separation processes have been developed.