Precision forecasting of fertilizer components’ concentrations in mixed variable-rate fertigation through machine learning

Accurate monitoring of fertilizer concentration and variable irrigation components is crucial for achieving precision irrigation through variable-rate fertigation. However, technological and cost constraints pose challenges in effectively managing mixed variable-rate fertigation. This study addresses these challenges by integrating machine learning (ML) with easily monitored physical parameters, such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and temperature, to predict fertilizer solution components and concentrations in mixed variable-rate fertigation. Cubic spline interpolation (CSI) was used to enhance the training dataset. Six ML algorithms—Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extremely Randomized Trees (ETs), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB)—were used to develop prediction models, with their performance evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) assessed the sensitivity of the ML models to physical parameters. All of the ML models, except for MLR, particularly SVM, demonstrated superior performance in predicting fertilizer solution components’ concentrations, with R2 values between 0.989 and 0.997 and RMSE values between 0.089 and 0.210. The CSI significantly enhanced model performance, resulting in larger R2 values and smaller RMSE values. The AIC results and sensitivity analysis confirmed the exceptional performance of SVM, emphasizing its suitability for predicting fertilizer components using easily measured physical parameters. The developed ML models offer valuable insights for decision-makers managing irrigation and fertilization in mixed variable-rate fertigation.