Research in Agricultural Engineering - Latest articles
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Investigation of the drying kinetics of a residual nut mixture using mathematical models and artificialneural networks
Tran Huu Duy, Nguyen Doan Kim Dang, Dang Nguyen Gia Han, Pham Tran Thanh Vy, Tran Ngoc Giau, Hong Van Hao, Nguyen Minh Thuy, Vo Quang Minh, Ngo Van Tai
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):121-131 | DOI: 10.17221/218/2025-RAE 
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for the sustainable reuse and the value of the residual nut mixture (RNM) by-products (cashew nut, peanut, and soybean) after extraction. To investigate the drying kinetics, the RNM was dried at various temperatures (50 to 80 °C). The Balbay and ªahin model, which had a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 99.62–99.96%, a low root mean square error of 0.007–0.021, and χ2 of 0.001–0.005, was the one that best fit the experimental data out of the eight mathematical models that were used. Artificial neural networks showed higher and faster...
Thin-layer drying kinetics and quality assessment of octopus (Octopus sp.) using mixed and open solar dryers
Arina Fatharani, Yuwana Yuwana, Faulina Maissy, Firmansyah Firmansyah, Hilda Maya Sintia Dewi, Ulfah Anis, Fitri Yuwita
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):81-94 | DOI: 10.17221/199/2025-RAE
Octopus (Octopus sp.) is highly perishable marine species for which efficient drying is essential to extend shelf life in tropical climates. The anatomical heterogeneity of the octopus complicates consistent drying. This study systematically evaluated the performance of a mixed solar dryer (MSD) and open solar drying (OSD) across distinct anatomical regions (head, mantle, and tentacles), with emphasis on drying kinetics and quality attributes. Five thin-layer models were applied to characterize moisture reduction, and product quality was assessed by measuring browning, protein, fat, and ash content. The MSD achieved a 20% higher...
Harvester service life impact on sugarcane field losses and product contamination
Kanya Kosum
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):109-120 | DOI: 10.17221/168/2025-RAE
Mechanical sugarcane harvesting generates substantial material losses that are associated with the equipment age. This study evaluated the relationship between the harvester service life and the operational efficiency by analysing field losses and product contamination across machines with varying operational histories (1, 14, 16, and 17 years) in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand, using a randomised complete block design. The results indicate that the 17-year-old machines exhibited 54% higher total losses (241.93 kg·ha–1) compared to the newer equipment (156.90 kg·ha−1). The field losses were attributed...
The Auto Sprinkler Rover: An innovative fertiliser applicator for sustainable agriculture
Wan Khaima Azira Wan mat khalir, Azimah Ismail, Nur Maizatul Akma Abdul Aziz
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):95-108 | DOI: 10.17221/165/2025-RAE
Fertilisers are essential to agriculture since they provide crucial nutrients that stimulate crop growth, increase the yield and improve the yield quality. However, this practice requires the use of manual labour, which consumes energy and time as well as limits the effectiveness of fertilisation methods and is environmentally harmful. These factors have led to the development of an innovative product based on the Internet of Things (IoT) called the Auto Sprinkler Rover, which is a remote-controlled machine that operates automatically. It contains a 12 L water barrel that serves as a storage tank for a liquid fertiliser. This study designed a...
Effect of maturity and the colour parameters on the cocoa opening force using the existing mechanical system
Randy Amuaku, Eric Amoah Asante, Emmanuel Y.H Bobobee, Jerry Oppong Adutwum, Godwin Amanor
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):142-153 | DOI: 10.17221/149/2025-RAE
The study assessed the mechanical and colorimetric properties of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pods at various maturity stages to improve the mechanised pod-opening efficiency. Thirty pods, each replicated three times, underwent compressive loading and colour analysis using the CIE Lab* colour space to correlate the colour attributes with mechanical resistance. The pod maturity significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the opening force and compressive strength: unripe pods required the highest mean force (1 222 N) and strength (0.316 N.mm–2), while aged pods needed only 346 N and 0.094 N.mm–2. The longitudinal...
Comparative study of portable Vis-NIR spectrometers for corn moisture content prediction using machine learning
Harki Himawan, Muhammad Dzakky Alghifari, Rut Juniar Nainggolan, Mochamad Bagus Hermanto, Nazmi Mat Nawi, Ken Abamba Omwange, Dimas Firmanda Al Riza
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(2):132-141 | DOI: 10.17221/88/2025-RAE
The non-destructive estimation of the corn kernel moisture content is essential for determining the optimal harvest period. Although various spectrometer sensors are currently available, their predictive performance differs due to variations in the spectral resolution and wavelength coverage. This study compared the performance of several portable spectrometer sensors with different wavelength ranges for predicting the corn moisture content. Spectral data and reference moisture content were used to develop the prediction models using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and an artificial neural network (ANN). Based on the PLSR modelling, the...
A spectral signature-based algorithm for the identifiability of crops and their cultivation conditions
Sarah El Azizi, Halima Taia, Abdes-Samed Bernoussi, Mina Amharref, Edyta Wozniak
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):56-69 | DOI: 10.17221/163/2025-RAE
Recent advancements in remote sensing techniques, especially the combination of hyperspectral imaging with analytical algorithms, have greatly improved precision agriculture. This study introduces some algorithms developed for identifying crops and evaluating their growth conditions, focusing on irrigation and fertilisation. The present approach is based on the concept of identifiability of a family of dynamic systems and the differentiation of plants using their spectral signatures. The method uses a repository of spectral data and applies a developed algorithm to compare...
Estimating changes in the Khisar glacier, using remote sensing data and GIS technologies for the assessment of water use in agriculture (Surkhandarya valley, Uzbekistan)
Shokhjakhon Khamidullaev, Rustam Oymatov, Ilhom Abdurahmanov, Ilkhom Aslanov
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):14-24 | DOI: 10.17221/141/2025-RAE
Climate change is speeding up the melting and retreat of glaciers, which is a big threat to water security in dry and semi-dry areas like Uzbekistan. To understand how glaciers affect regional hydrological systems and to come up with adaptive water management strategies, it is important to keep an eye on how they change over time. This study examines the temporal changes of the Khisar Glacier in the Surkhandarya Basin by combining remote sensing data from different times with a GIS-based spatial analysis. We looked at Landsat images from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2024 to see how the size of the glaciers has changed and how that relates to weather...
Research on the optimal design and process parameters of a castor seed cleaning machine
Elchyn Aliiev, Valentyn Holovchenko, Olha Aliieva
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):41-58 | DOI: 10.17221/121/2025-RAE
In the context of the modern EU bioeconomy, the use of industrial crops, particularly castor beans (Ricinus communis L.), is relevant for the production of industrial and energy products without competing with food crops. Castor oil is used for the production of biodiesel, lubricants, paints and coatings, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In Ukraine, castor beans can be cultivated on low-yield soils, with seed yields ranging from 1.5 t/ha to 2.1 t/ha depending on the variety. However, the morphological features of the fruits and uneven ripening complicate the mechanisation of harvesting and seed cleaning processes. Existing equipment designed...
The effects of temperature on biogas production rate and purity
Romeica Noe Rimorin, Christian Mark Felix, Roger Jay Lamadrid De Vela
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):70-79 | DOI: 10.17221/104/2025-RAE
This study investigated the effects of temperature on the performance of anaerobic digesters for biogas production. Digesters were filled with a 1 : 1 ratio of substrate to water, containing 15 kg of cow dung and 3 kg of crop waste, and maintained at temperatures of 50 ± 2 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, corresponding to the thermophilic and mesophilic biodigesters, respectively. The experiments run for 75 days, and biogas production rate and purity were measured. The thermophilic digester produced 48.4% more biogas and had a slightly higher pH (7.65) than did the mesophilic digester (7.37) by the end of the observation period. However,...
Modelling the hydration process of wheat grain with layer-dependent diffusion coefficients
Bakhtiyar Ismailov, Abdushukur Urinboev, Khairulla Ismailov, Akmaljon Kuchkarov
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):25-40 | DOI: 10.17221/101/2025-RAE
This study develops and validates a multilayer diffusion model of wheat grain hydration that incorporates layer-dependent diffusion coefficients for bran, endosperm, and germ. The moisture transport is formulated using Fick’s law with two interface formulations: (i) classical continuity of the concentration and flux and (ii) an interlayer resistance formulation that permits concentration discontinuities. Diffusion coefficients and geometric parameters were determined experimentally; A 3D grain model (structured-light scanning, COMSOL Multiphysics) informed the computational domain. Numerical solutions combined...
A novel ensemble convolutional neural networksfor rice disease identification
Richard Alvin Pratama, Nabila Husna Shabrina
Res. Agr. Eng., 2026, 72(1):1-13 | DOI: 10.17221/59/2024-RAE
Rice is a crucial food commodity worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. However, various factors, such as drought, floods, and pest attacks, can lead to the emergence of diseases in rice plants. Accurately identifying these diseases poses a significant challenge for farmers, often leading to significant yield losses. Conventionally, farmers rely on manual methods based on their experience and visual inspections to identify rice diseases. However, this approach is highly ineffective, time-consuming, and prone to error. This study aimed to address this issue by proposing advanced deep learning techniques, an ensemble learning method, to automate...
Biodegradable seedling pots from sawdust and spent mushroom compost
Joseph Kofi Conduah, Francis Kumi, Hans Fumba Murangaza, Seth Osei
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):247-258 | DOI: 10.17221/116/2025-RAE
Circular bioeconomy is rapidly gaining ground in the agricultural sector with priority given to the utilisation of more environmentally friendly materials for production and processing. Thus, in this study, biodegradable seedling pots were developed using sawdust (SD) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) as a sustainable alternative to plastic containers. Four pots composed of SMC : SD ratios of 100 : 0, 70 : 30, 60 : 40, and 50 : 50 were developed and evaluated. The mechanical properties, structural characteristics, and water absorption capacity of the pots were assessed and seedlings were made to grow in them to monitor the growth support potential....
Architecture of a cyber-physical system for washing agricultural machinery
Anatoliy Tryhuba, Orest Filkin, Inna Tryhuba, Andriy Tatomyr, Oksana Malanchuk
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):235-246 | DOI: 10.17221/91/2025-RAE
This paper presents the architecture of a cyber-physical system for the automated washing of agricultural machinery, designed to enhance efficiency and intelligent control. The system includes four layers – physical, sensor, computational, and interface and integrates actuators, sensors, decision-making modules, and analytics. A Python-based simulation using Control and SimPy showed an average washing time of 10.4 minutes and 97.5% cycle initiation accuracy under critical contamination. The Control was achieved via gated recurrent unit (GRU) prediction and proportional–integral–derivative (PID) regulation. Despite assumptions like...
Effect of foam-mat drying conditions on drying rate and anthocyanin content in purple sweet potato powder
Chi Dung Nguyen, Van Hao Hong , Ngoc Giau Tran, Minh Thuy Nguyen, Van Tai Ngo
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):224-234 | DOI: 10.17221/84/2025-RAE
The study aimed to optimise foam-mat drying parameters for producing purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) powder. Egg albumin (EA) (5–15%), xanthan gum (XG) (0.1–0.5%), and drying temperature (50–70 °C) were used as independent variables for optimisation via Response Surface Methodology with a Box-Behnken design. The response variables (drying rate and anthocyanin content) were assessed by 18 treatments, which included 6 central points. The analysis of variance showed a high coefficient of determination (> 88%) between predicted and experimental values across all models. Optimal foam-mat drying conditions were 11.02% EA, 0.34% XG,...
Detection of heat-stressed chickens in poultry house based on deep network and optical flow vectors in the Fourier domain
Ngo Quoc Viet, Thai Yen
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):189-199 | DOI: 10.17221/46/2025-RAE
The productivity and quality of the entire flock are negatively impacted by heat stress in chickens, which can have major repercussions, particularly in crowded farming settings where diseases are easy to spread and hard to control. This study uses deep networks and optical flow to identify heat stress in chickens. The technique focuses on identifying obvious signs of heat stress, such as panting and open-mouth breathing in chickens. There are two phases to the suggested approach: (1) using a deep network to detect open-mouth breathing in chickens; (2) using the Gunnar Farnebäck algorithm to compute the optical flow vectors of the wattle, the breathing...
Study on the drying kinetics of Rosa flower buds using different drying methods
Hamid Reza Gazor, Omid Reza Roustapour
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):213-223 | DOI: 10.17221/43/2025-RAE
This study investigated the drying kinetics of Rosa flower buds (Rosa damascene Mill) under environmental conditions (shade), as well as in direct and indirect solar dryers. The effects of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C temperatures on the drying of the buds were also examined using a laboratory cabinet dryer. The drying rate of the Rosa flower buds was compared with various mathematical models, and the parameters of these models were evaluated. The results illustrated that drying Rosa flower buds under shade required a lengthy period time of approximately 13 days. In contrast, utilising solar dryers significantly reduced...
Optimisation of the irrigation requirement of okra under protected cultivation using a digital lysimeter
Sujitha Elango, Nagarajan Madasamy, Valliammai Annamalai, Vijayaprabhakar Arumugam
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(4):200-212 | DOI: 10.17221/31/2025-RAE
A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to determine stage-specific crop coefficient values of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using the popular F1 hybrid Arka Nikita. Six evapotranspiration (ETc) based treatments were applied: five under a forced ventilated greenhouse (T1 = 120% ETc, T2 = 100% ETc, T3 = 80% ETc, T4 = 60% ETc, T5 = 100% ETc in lysimeter) and one under open field (T6 = 100% ETc) arranged in a completely randomised block design...
Free electricity tandem-twin-hybrid solar-biomass dryer increased the performance of coffee cherry drying
Yuwana Yuwana, Syafnil Syafnil
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):174-187 | DOI: 10.17221/98/2024-RAE
A free electricity tandem-twin-hybrid-solar-biomass dryer comprised of two drying rooms and operated with solar and biomass energy combustion of 10 kg rubber wood per hour separately to dry Robusta coffee cherries with 3, 6, 9, and 12 cm bed thicknesses were studied with the drying completion time (tc), number of defects (ND), and colour parameters, i.e., lightness (L*), hue angle [H(o)], and chroma (C), used as the performance indicators. The experimental results indicated that the drying room, bed thickness, and drying room-bed thickness interaction significantly affected the tc and ND...
Rheological properties of banana fruit in the creep test: Effect of variety and ripeness level
Nursigit Bintoro, Bambang Purwantana, Bayu Nugraha, Surya Abdul Muttalib, Slamet Sulistiadi, Vivien Fathuroya
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):163-173 | DOI: 10.17221/12/2025-RAE
Banana quality is influenced by many factors, including variety and level of fruit ripeness. This quality can be evaluated from various points of view, one of which is the rheological consideration. Rheological properties are very important to study because they determine the design of equipment and processes, and minimise product damage. The aim of this research was to analyse and model the effect of variety and ripeness level on the rheological properties of banana fruit by applying a creep test. This research was carried out using a factorial experimental design 3 × 3 with 5 replications. Three varieties of banana, namely Ambon (Musa parasidiaca...
Optimisation of the temperature and drying time of kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC.) using Response Surface Methodology
Asri Widyasanti, Sintia Nabila Putri, Rahmat Budiarto, Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim Shah
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):155-162 | DOI: 10.17221/94/2024-RAE
This study optimised the drying process of kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC.) to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality by reducing the moisture content. A Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework was employed, with the temperature (55 °C, 60 °C, 65 °C) and drying time (5, 5.5, 6 h) as the variables. Experiments were conducted with a mechanical food dehydrator, and the parameters evaluated included the water content and drying yields. The optimal condition was identified as 60 °C for 5 h, resulting in a drying yield of 33.3% and a final moisture content of 7.153 (% w.b.), which...
Addressing water scarcity in agriculture through small reservoir construction in Kashkadarya Province
Khojiakbar Khasanov, Masharif Bakiev, Oqil Rasulov, Nodira Babajanova, Ilhom Abdurahmanov
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):143-154 | DOI: 10.17221/20/2025-RAE
This study explores the construction of small reservoirs (SRs) as a strategic solution to address water scarcity in Kashkadarya Province, Uzbekistan, where agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on irrigation. By utilising geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies, optimal locations for reservoirs were identified, focusing on improving the water availability for irrigation during critical periods. The research highlights the socio-economic and environmental benefits of SRs, including enhanced agricultural yields, increased employment opportunities, and reduced reliance on energy-intensive pumping stations. The...
Balancing quality and safety: Optimising drying and sodium metabisulphite use in low-fat desiccated coconut
Indriati Cahyadewi, Waqif Agusta, Rumpoko Wicaksono, Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty, Lusiana Kresnawati Hartono, Herdiarti Destika Hermansyah, Farah Nuranjani
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):130-142 | DOI: 10.17221/3/2025-RAE
Indonesia, as a leading coconut producer, generates a substantial amount of coconut pulp from coconut milk extraction, which can be further processed into low-fat desiccated coconut. However, the drying process induces browning, reducing its whiteness and overall quality. Sodium metabisulphite is commonly used to prevent browning, but excessive use raises health concerns. In this study, the optimisation of the drying temperature and sodium metabisulphite concentration was conducted to minimise the browning while maintaining the quality of low-fat desiccated coconut. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD),...
Modelling for a land suitability analysis of rice terraces on the upland area using the geographic information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchical process (AHP)
Razali, Rahmawaty, Chairani Hanum, Zulkifli Nasution
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):121-129 | DOI: 10.17221/101/2024-RAE
Rice fields are the main source of rice production. Rice field expansion is one way to increase rice production. Rice field expansion activities for the upland area in Indonesia are often overlooked due to limited information about the availability of suitable land. In upland areas, rice terraces are often found. Until now, there has been no guideline for determining the suitable location of rice terraces on upland areas. The purpose of this study was to develop a land suitability assessment model for rice terraces using geographic information system (GIS) and the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) on upland areas like the Lake Toba catchment area....
Enhancing the destructive egg quality assessment using the machine vision and feature extraction technique
Ehsan Sheidaee, Pourya Bazyar
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):95-104 | DOI: 10.17221/86/2024-RAE
The rapid growth of the food industry necessitates rigorous quality control, particularly in egg production. This study explores advanced methodologies for egg quality assessment by integrating the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) with machine vision techniques. While traditional destructive methods like measuring the Haugh unit (HU) offer direct insights, but render eggs unusable, non-destructive techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, allow continuous quality monitoring. Over a 20-day period, egg samples were evaluated using a digital camera to capture key parameters like...
Perception of bimodal warning cues during remote supervision of autonomous agricultural machines
Anita Chidera Ezeagba, Cheryl Mary Glazebrook, Daniel Delmar Mann
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):69-79 | DOI: 10.17221/73/2024-RAE
Agricultural machines that are fully autonomous will still need human supervisors to monitor and troubleshoot system failures. Recognising the emergency as soon as possible is crucial to reduce adverse effects. The ability of humans to detect visual, auditory, or tactile cues is usually enabled by warning systems. The effectiveness of different warning cues varies in terms of prompting a quick response. The study’s objective was to compare the effectiveness of two bimodal warnings (i.e., visual-auditory and visual-tactile) at eliciting supervisor perception (which equates to level one situation awareness). Twenty-five participants engaged in...
Camera systems and their user recognition reliability when entering an agri-food complex
Jaroslav Mrázek, Jakub Vo¹áhlík, Eva Olmrová, Martin Pexa, Zdenìk Ale¹, Jakub Èedík
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):105-112 | DOI: 10.17221/35/2025-RAE
This study evaluates the efficiency of various facial recognition camera systems used to control access in agri-food production environments, focusing on their ability to identify individuals based on biometric facial traits. It is also important to prevent the movement of unwanted persons into the production premises in the agri-food complex. The main goal was to assess how these factors influence the recognition performance and to determine the most reliable system for preventing unauthorised entry. The results show notable performance disparities between the devices tested. It can be concluded in this research that there are statistically significant...
Stability of soil moisture sensors for agricultural crop cultivation
Sitti Nur Faridah, Muhammad Tahir Sapsal, Tisha Aditya A. Jamaluddin, Andini Dani Achmad, Muhammad Adi Surya
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):88-94 | DOI: 10.17221/33/2024-RAE
Soil water content is critical in plants’ morphological and physiological processes; therefore, water must always be available in appropriate quantities to meet plant growth needs. Soil moisture can be easily detected using sensors, which offer a practical solution for monitoring water content in the soil. However, using sensors for a long time, especially on agricultural land, will reduce sensor accuracy. This research aims to investigate the accuracy of soil moisture sensors during their use for cultivating crops. Using sensors in sandy clay soil can detect soil moisture levels with an accuracy of 93.80% and a precision of 90.81%. A reading...
Spoilage detection of tomatoes using a convolutional neural network
Ninja Begum, Manuj Kumar Hazarika
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):80-87 | DOI: 10.17221/31/2024-RAE
With the increasing productivity in agriculture, it has become extremely essential to look for an advanced technique that will help to minimise losses. Recently, deep learning has outperformed the task of recognition and classification of fruits and vegetables automatically from images, finding applicability in this study. This work, thus, attempts to develop an automatic spoilage detection CNN model for tomatoes. In this work, a deep learning-based CNN model is trained and validated on a self-prepared dataset for classifying tomatoes as edible and spoilt is proposed. The dataset consisted of 810 images, out of which 572 images were considered...
Portable analogue-based electronic moisture meter for root-crop chips
James Roy Lesidan, Mencius Lesidan, Melvin Hagonob, Charlie Andan, Ma. Grace Sumaria, Ronaldo Almencion, Kebin Ysrael Martinez
Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(2):113-120 | DOI: 10.17221/15/2025-RAE
Moisture content regulation of root crops is crucial in post-harvest processing operations, not only in the price stipulation but also to avoid aflatoxin contamination. To prolong their storage life, they are processed into dried chips to extend their usability in feed formulations and starches. In this study, we use the capacitance-based method to evaluate the performance of an analogue-based electronic meter for the cassava, sweet potato, and taro chips. The meter was calibrated against the oven-drying method, yielding high R2 values of the different root crops. The established calibration models were validated and revealed...