Agricultural Engineering International (E-Journal, CIGR - International Commission of Agricultural Engineering)
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Trafficking and loading behavior on soil and sub-soil
Full text linkThe threat of soil degradation due to compaction has increased due to increasing use of heavy machinery in agriculture. An experiment was conducted in soil bin at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to determine the extent of compaction in the sub soil layer due to five different passes of a half chassis simulator of tractor at four normal loads of 2.71, 3.69, 4.67 and 5.65 kN. The soil of bin was alluvial with sandy loam texture. The compaction parameters e.g. bulk density and cone penetration resistance was measured at different depths i.e. upto 50 cm at intervals of 5 cm. A statistical model was developed considering soil compaction at different soil depth due to varying normal load and number of passes the bulk density in 0-15cm layer increased up to 11 passes unceasingly. The bulk density obtained in 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45 cm layer were 1.52, 1.55 and 1.49, respectively. The increase in bulk density was more due to increased number of passes than amount load. The effect of increase in load and passes had very marginal effect on compaction at soil depth below 45 cm. The R2 values of the developed models were 0.665, 0.864 and 0.78
Variability in vegetation indices as a function of unmanned aerial vehicle flight altitudes and other factors during crop monitoring applications
Full text linkUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) integrated with multispectral sensors has been widely used for phenotyping in plant breeding programs and other agricultural applications. However, the extracted vegetation indices can be affected by radiometric correction, altitude of image acquisition, and orthomosaic generation. In this study, we used wheat and pea trials to evaluate the effect of using different reference reflectance panels for the radiometric correction as a function of flight altitude on commonly used vegetation indices. Pea and wheat data were collected at the initial ripening or flowering stages, respectively. In both trials, single multispectral images were collected at 25m, 35m, 45m, 55m, 65m, and 75m flying altitudes. In addition, UAV was used to collect multispectral images at 25m, 4m, and 75m flying altitude and stitched with multiple photogrammetry software (DroneDeploy, ImageBreed, Agisoft, and Pix4D). For radiometric correction, four Lambertian reference panels were used (10%, 18%, 50%, and 99%). The main results indicated that panels with reflectance of 10% and 20% were suitable for radiometric corrections, since the digital number from these panels did not saturate in most cases. In addition, the correction using the 18% reflectance panel demonstrated consistent reflectance response across flight altitudes. Nevertheless, differences in responses were observed as a function of the flight altitudes after orthomosaic generation, especially with DroneDeploy, ImageBreed, and Pix4D. Vegetation index values, such as normalized difference vegetation index, were highly affected by photogrammetry software. Such information is critical to characterize the multispectral data acquired from UAV and other platforms to extract precise and stable data for agricultural applications
The Numerical optimization of the emission characteristics and performance of a diesel engine energized with Jatropha biodiesel along with Exhaust Gas Recirculation
No full textUsing of energy resources could bring an encouraging influence on both atmosphere, and economy. The present paper investigates the modeling and optimization performance/emission characteristics of a single cylinder diesel engine supported with Jatropha biodiesel. The main studied parameters were EGR ratio, engine load, and IT. The engine-out parameters were BTE, EGT, CO, NOX, and UHC. Response surface model based on historical design was used to predict/simulate the engine data. It is accomplished that the optimal value for the engine load, EGR ratio and IT were found to be ~94%, 0%, and 25 degree, respectively. At obtained optimal point, the value of BTE, UHC, NOX, EGT, and CO were predicted as around 34%, 24 ppm, 970 ppm, 380, and 0.03%, respectively. Based on the results, the RSM techniques is an efficient way to model a single cylinder diesel engine
Effect of Adding Potassium and Organic Fertilizers on some Physical and Chemical Soil Properties and Vegetative Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.)
No full textAdding potassium and organic fertilizers increases the vitality of agricultural soil. The research was carried out in Deir Ezzor Governorate during the two agricultural seasons 2022/2023 with the aim of studying the effect of adding potassium and organic fertilizers and their interaction on some soil properties and vegetative growth of maize (Ghouta 82 variety). A factorial experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment included two factors: the first was potassium fertilizer (potassium sulphate: K0:0- K1:100- K2:150- K3:200) kg K.ha-1 and the second was organic fertilizer (sheep manure: OM0:0- OM1:15- OM2: 20- OM3:25) tons. ha-1. The results showed: There were no significant differences in bulk density at all levels of potassium fertilizer, while the total porosity of the soil increased for the first and second seasons, and the electrical conductivity also increased for both seasons, and the increase was significant at K3 of potassium fertilizer compared to the rest of the treatments and the control. While the degree of soil interaction decreased at K3 for both seasons. Adding organic fertilizer to both seasons led to a significant decrease at OM3 in the values of bulk density, degree of soil interaction, and electrical conductivity compared to the rest of the treatments and the control, while there was a significant increase in porosity for both seasons. As for the K3 and OM3 interference, the values of both the bulk density and the degree of soil interaction decreased, and the porosity values increased compared to the rest of the interactions and the control for the first and second seasons. While the electrical conductivity decreased when OM3 of organic fertilizer was mixed with K0 of potassium fertilizer. The results also show the positive effect of potassium and organic fertilizers separately on the studied plant characteristics (number of leaves, dry weight of shoots). As for the combined effect of both fertilizers, the best results were when K3 and K2 of potassium fertilizer were mixed with OM3 of organic fertilizer, as it increased (number of leaves, dry weight of shoots)
Development and evaluation of an electronic system for measuring the performance of ploughs: a comparative study of three types of ploughs
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective, accurate, and easy-to-install electronic system using the Arduino controller for measuring and recording key parameters of a tractor-implement system. The system was field-tested using three different plows (moldboard, chisel, and disc plow) in the silty clay soil of the College of Agriculture - University of Basra, Karma Ali site. The overall design of the system comprised two main components: the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter system consisted of three sensors: an Encoder Sensor, an Ultrasonic sensor, and a Load Cell. This system wirelessly transmitted signals to the receiving electronic system using the HC-12 module. The receiving system was responsible for receiving the transmitted signals and automatically saving the data to a Micro SD Card. The designer specified a memory card with a capacity of at least 2GB.The results of the experiments demonstrated a high level of agreement between the depth of plowing measured by the ultrasonic sensor and the depth measured using traditional methods (R-Squared = 0.9978). Similarly, the actual and theoretical forward speed values measured by the encoder sensor closely matched those obtained through traditional methods (R-Squared = 0.9941 and 0.9986, respectively). These findings validate the accuracy and reliability of the device. Furthermore, the study revealed that at a forward speed of 0.51 m/sec and a plowing depth of 25 cm, the traction requirements for the moldboard, chisel, and disc plows were 14.3 kN, 11.25 kN, and 10.35 kN, respectively. The traction force increased by 72-75% and 45-50% when the plowing depth and forward speed were increased, respectively. The disc plow exhibited lower slip compared to the moldboard and chisel plows. Additionally, the study indicated that the tillage depth had a greater impact on slip percentage compared to the forward speed
Design of a low cost data acquisition system to monitor the performance of an on-farm bulk milk cooler
Full text linkThis study focuses on the design, construction, and testing of a data acquisition system (DAS) to monitor the performance of an on-farm DXBMC as a tool to aid decision making for dairy farmers. Various sensors formed the design of the low cost data acquisition system (DAS) and these comprised of relative humidity and ambient temperature sensor, temperature sensors and a power meter. The study was carried out on an existing dairy farm with an average of 800 cows in milking during peak milking period. Temperature sensors monitored the temperature of the milk delivered to the direct expansion bulk milk cooler (DXBMC) as well as the temperature of the room, the power meter was used to measure the electrical energy consumed by the DXBMC during the cooling process. Findings from the study revealed that the peak season recorded the highest average total energy of 6 898.52 kWh as whereas the off-peak season recorded an average total of 3 771.28 kWh. The annual energy consumption due to milk cooling and storage was 64 336.22 kWh. The energy consumption during cooling of milk was 92.57% with the remaining 7.43% consumed during the storage of milk to maintain it at the set point temperature. During that period the average COP was 2.28 and 1.99 for the AM and PM milking times. On average, the DXBMC cooled 57.33 L/kWh during the off-peak period and increased by 7.7% to 62.13 L/kWh during the peak. The low-cost DAS is simple to use on any dairy farm to provide insight into the operation of the milk cooling system. This allows measures to be taken to enhance performance and save energy where possible
GIS-based identification of potential irrigable areas in Ejiba, Nigeria: None
Full text linkRivers are essential natural resources for transportation, recreation, irrigation, fishing, and water and electricity provision. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionized the analysis and interpretation of geographical data, making them indispensable tools in various fields. A field survey identified 10 existing irrigation sites along the River Kampe in 2023. The built-up area covered 1.43 km2, accounting for 0.62 % of the total land area, while bare land and water bodies covered 81.69 km2 and 1.22 km2, respectively. The vegetation cover class recorded the highest area at 122.76 Km2, while agriculture land covered 24.91 km2. It was concluded that the most suitable, more suitable, suitable, less suitable, and unsuitable land uses accounted for 24.67 %, 22.62 %, 19.30 %, 13.74 %, and 19.68 % of the area respectively. The map created using this platform can serve as a rough guide for choosing appropriate sites for surface irrigation in the area
Development and Testing of Self-propelled Type Rotary Forage Harvester
Full text linkDuring 2021-2022, a study conducted at the Department of Farm Machinery and Power, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, focused on evaluating and refining a self-propelled rotary forage harvester designed for harvesting fodder crops like oats, guinea grass, berseem, and natural grass, particularly Napier grass during field testing. This harvester, equipped with a rotary disc cutting unit and a depth wheel for precision cutting, aims to minimize plant damage during impact cutting. It demonstrated an effective field capacity of 0.1361 hectares per hour, slightly lower than its theoretical capacity of 0.1749 hectares per hour across four observations. The harvester achieved an average harvesting efficiency of 82.75%, with 15%-wheel slip under load and 18.2% without load. The operational cost for harvesting using this rotary forage harvester was estimated at Rs. 2857.38 per hectare. Fuel consumption averaged 0.95 liters per hour during operation. Real-world harvesting time for one hectare was recorded at 7.34 hours, compared to the theoretical harvest time of 5.71 hours. This study underscores the harvester's capabilities in efficiently handling small fodder crops, highlighting its practical efficiency, fuel economy, and operational characteristics under real-world conditions
Preservation of Fresh Tomatoes using Biochemical Treatments: A Systematic Review
Full text linkA wide range of biochemical treatments have been proposed to control microbial spoilage of tomatoes, but the relative efficacy of these treatments is unclear. This review examines the most commonly used biochemical treatments for tomatoes, intending to provide insights into their effectiveness and limitations. The review concludes that there is no single biochemical treatment that is universally effective for controlling microbial spoilage of tomatoes. The most effective treatment will vary depending on the specific conditions of storage and the variety of tomatoes being treated. However, the review provides valuable insights into the relative efficacy and limitations of the most commonly used biochemical treatments. This information can help researchers, growers, and handlers to make informed decisions about the best way to control microbial spoilage of tomatoes
Frequency analysis for one day to seven consecutive days annual maximum rainfall for Kohima (Nagaland), India: Frequency analysis for one day to seven consecutive days annual maximum rainfall
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ABSTRACT
In this study, daily rainfall data recorded at Kohima (25° 40’N latitude, 94°07’E longitude altitude 1420 m) over a span of 26 years (1997-2022) were gathered. As there's a lack of information on the frequency analysis of annual 1-day to seven consecutive days annual maximum rainfall in Kohima, Nagaland, this study fills that gap.
A turning point test suggested that one to seven consecutive days annual maximum rainfall could be considered random. A Lognormal probability distribution function was found to be the best fit for 1-day annual maximum rainfall data, while a Log-Pearson Type III probability distribution function was found to be the best fit for 3, 4, and 6-days consecutive days annual maximum rainfall data. Extreme value type-I probability distribution function was found to be the best fit for 2, 5, and 7-days consecutive days annual maximum rainfall data.
For a recurrence interval of every two years, an annual maximum rainfall of 72.9 mm in one day, 93.8 mm in two days, 107.18 mm in three days, 119.98 mm in four days, 132.68 mm in five days, 138.58 mm in six days, and 158.98 mm in seven days is expected. For a recurrence interval of 100 years, the expected annual maximum rainfall in one day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, and seven days are 144 mm, 188.1 mm, 199.8 mm, 269 mm, 270.2 mm, 332.9 mm, and 324.4 mm, respectively.
Single-parametric models were developed for 1-day as well as 2-7 consecutive day annual maximum rainfall corresponding to 1-100 years return period. The coefficient of determination ranged from 0.964 to 0.997. Relationships were established for 2-7 consecutive maximum rainfall with one-day annual maximum rainfall, with the coefficient of determination varying from 0.994 to 0.997. It's important to note that these relationships are specific to the data used, and their application can significantly simplify the analysis of long-term data for individual stations.
Keywords: Consecutive days annual maximum rainfall, Turning point test, Continuous probability distribution function, Regression model