Orkel Academy
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Frequently asked questions
- What is NIR spectroscopy and how is it applied in agriculture, particularly with round bales? NIR (Near-Infrared) Spectroscopy is an analytical technique that uses the near-infrared region of the light to rapidly and non-destructively analyze agricultural materials. In agriculture, it works by measuring how different wavelengths of light are absorbed by a sample, allowing for the determination of key components like moisture, protein, fat, fiber (NDF, ADF), starch and more, depending on the material. When integrated in the Orkel Compactor, NIR technology enables users to do many quick analyses without needing to send samples to a lab.
- How does Orkel use NIR technology in their Compactor balers? Orkel integrates NIR sensors directly into the baling chamber. The integrated sensors provide immediate data on the composition and quality of the material, and stores the data in the Orkel Precision cloud.
- What is the accuracy of the evoNIR used by Orkel?
- To get the best accuracy you must choose the right material for the sensor. For example there are more than one program for maize – green maize, maize silage, snaplage etc. Choose the right one to measure the right things.
- You should do a calibration procedure every year
- The NIR needs 10-15 minutes to find the right temperature (32 degrees celcius) after startup. There is a temperature compensation in the sensor.
- The accuracy of an analysis should then be 1,5 percentage points on dry matter and 2,5 percentage points on nutrients. It can be better. When calculating the average of the batch the accuracy is higher.
- What are the primary advantages of using integrated NIR systems, such as those offered by Orkel, in forage management? The key benefits of using integrated NIR systems include enhanced quality control through real-time monitoring of moisture and nutrient content, to check that the baled material meets desired standards. It also provides operational efficiency by enabling immediate adjustments during baling, reducing waste and improving overall workflow. Furthermore, the precise data generated supports data-driven decision-making, allowing for better planning and management that can lead to improved yield and use of the forage. By knowing the exact levels of protein, fiber, starch, and other key components, farmers can tailor feed to the specific needs of their animals, potentially improving their health, growth, and overall performance. Additionally, this detailed information makes the trading of round bales more transparent and informed, as both buyers and sellers are aware of the product’s quality.
- What specific parameters related to forage quality can be analyzed in real-time using NIR technology on machinery like the Orkel Densix? NIR technology can analyze a wide array of parameters in real-time, including moisture content (dry matter), protein levels, fat content, and various fiber components such as NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) and ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), as well as starch levels.
- How does the adoption of NIR technology for forage analysis compare to traditional laboratory testing methods? Traditional lab testing typically involves taking a limited number of samples for detailed analysis in a laboratory, which offers high precision per sample but may not accurately represent the variability within a large forage stock due to the small sample size. Integrated NIR technology, on the other hand, allows for the analysis of a much larger number of samples in real-time, albeit with a slightly higher margin of error per individual measurement. However, the sheer volume of data points obtained with NIR provides a more representative overall picture of the forage quality and significantly reduces the uncertainty in the average composition of the entire stock.
- How can the real-time data provided by NIR technology contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices? NIR spectroscopy supports sustainability by enabling more efficient resource utilization and reducing waste. By facilitating better-informed decision-making regarding feed management, farmers can improve animal health and productivity, potentially reducing the environmental footprint associated with livestock farming.
- How can you get the data about the bales? You can see the measurements real time on the Compactor display and on the dedicated NIR-display. If you have Telematics you can get the overview on your phone or computer – a list of all the bales in the batch or over a period, in pdf or excel-file. You can also get the excel-file by usb directly from the display.