Research in Agricultural Engineering - Latest articles

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Reconstructed military machine for unique field testing of agricultural machinery capabilities

Kornél Szalay, Jiří Souček, Gábor Bércesi, Adrienn Bablena, Kovács Lászlo, Sayakhat Orazovich Nukeshev, Savelii Kuharets, Volodymyr Kravchuk, Gennadii Golub, Antonín Machálek, Aleksandr Vladimirovich Dobrinov

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):53-59 | DOI: 10.17221/60/2023-RAE  

Detailed performance testing of agricultural machinery is very important in determining its value in use. These measurements cannot be limited to laboratory tests, such as braking the power take-off (PTO) shaft of  a tractor or performing dynamic tests of implements in a soil bin. Field tests are the ultimate way to test the capabilities of agricultural machinery. However, during such field tests, there are many parameters that can interfere with and affect the test results, such as inhomogeneity of the soil and tyre characteristics. In order to minimise these effects as much as possible, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)...

Comparison of experimental and numerical results on flow uniformity of seeds transmitted from the studded feed roller

Mustafa Gokalp Boydas

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):43-52 | DOI: 10.17221/34/2023-RAE  

Studded feed rollers are widely used in seed metering units of seed drills. The flow evenness is an important indicator of the performance of studded feed rollers. With this research, the effects of studded feed rollers with different stud numbers (27, 36, and 45 studs) on flow evenness were investigated both in the laboratory and by simulation in case of using different ground speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 m·s^–1). While the experiments were carried out on the seed drill model prepared in the laboratory, the simulation was done with the Rocky DEM software program. In the laboratory and simulation studies, it was determined that...

Fabrication and performance test of a multipurpose ohmic heating apparatus with a real-time data logging system based on low-cost sensors

Diang Sagita, Dadang Dayat Hidayat, Doddy Andy Darmajana, Ari Rahayuningtyas, Hari Hariadi

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):23-34 | DOI: 10.17221/21/2023-RAE  

Ohmic heating is an emerging technology currently in high demand for application in various processes. In this research, a prototype of a multipurpose ohmic heating apparatus was successfully designed, fabricated, and tested. This apparatus was designed based on low-cost and versatile sensors and components available worldwide. Three independent chambers could be operated parallelly and individually with different treatments. Parameter data, i.e., voltage, electrical current, the temperature of heated material and environmental humidity-temperature, could be recorded by an embedded data logging system. The sensor had been tested and validated by comparing...

Enhancing melon yield through a low-cost drip irrigation control system with time and soil sensor

Thawatchai Thongleam, Kriengkrai Meethaworn, Sanya Kuankid

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):13-22 | DOI: 10.17221/20/2023-RAE  

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method for watering crops, as  it delivers water directly to the roots and minimises wastage due to evaporation or runoff. This paper presents the development and implementation of  a low-cost drip irrigation control system that uses both time- and soil sensor-based approaches. The system’s efficiency was compared through a field experiment of melon growing, divided into three categories and four replications using a completely randomised design. The treatments include: T1 [time-based irrigation (TBI)], T2 [soil moisture-based irrigation (SMI)], and T3 [hand watering irrigation system...

Energy and carbon dioxide emission analysis of a batch-mode paddy drying process in a rotary dryer

Dewi Qurrota A’yuni, Dede Kurniawan, Muhammad Pradhipta Irwanda Prayoga, Andri Cahyo Kumoro, Mohamad Djaeni, Agus Subagio

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):35-42 | DOI: 10.17221/32/2023-RAE  

The rice drying process in a rotary dryer gives the benefit of producing uniformly dried rice in a short drying time. This work investigated a rotary dryer's efficiency and heat consumption at various temperatures (40, 50, and 60 °C) and capacities (10, 20, 30, and 40 kg). When loaded with 10 to 30 kg of rough rice and operated at 60 °C, the dryer produced dry rice with 14% w.b. moisture content for less than 3 hours. The energy efficiency and consumption were evaluated based on the experiment and theoretical analysis. According to the observation, a high temperature significantly shortened drying time. Thus, the total energy...

The state of agricultural digitalisation in Hungary

Dániel Fróna

Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(1):1-12 | DOI: 10.17221/15/2023-RAE  

In recent years, the concept of digitalization has gained increasing attention in the field of agriculture. The adoption of digital technologies such as sensors, drones, and precision farming tools has the potential to revolutionize how agricultural production is carried out, leading to increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This study examines the current state of digitisation and the use of digital tools in agriculture among Hungarian farmers. The uptake of digitalisation has been slow, and more comprehensive policies and strategies are needed to improve progress. The study shows that while there are positive developments, such as...

Operating performance of manual, semi-automatic, and automatic tractor guidance systems for precision farming

Paola D'Antonio, Andi Mehmeti, Francesco Toscano, Costanza Fiorentino

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):179-188 | DOI: 10.17221/5/2023-RAE  

Precision agriculture is increasingly relying on tractor auto-steer systems to boost productivity and optimize crop inputs. Identifying field variations and performance, on the other hand, is necessary for giving site-specific recommendations. This study reports the field operating performance indicators of manual (MG), semi-automatic (SG), and automatic (AG) tractor guidance for weed control in wheat production in Southern Italy. Performance indicators include effective worked area, overall working time, effective field capacity, field efficiency, fuel consumption, and product usage. The SG tractor guidance working times were similar to the MG, but...

Development of microclimate in the New Holland T6.165 tractor

Jan Hart, Veronika Hartová

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):206-210 | DOI: 10.17221/27/2023-RAE  

A number of stimuli lead to what is termed "seasonal fatigue", where the only firm interconnection is the fact that this form of fatigue only occurs during a certain period of the season. The interior of the cabin and its effect on the machine operator is notable. The microclimate of the environment in which the operator works has a direct impact on his/her condition and, consequentially, the extent of his/her fatigue. The development of microclimate in a modern agricultural machine must be identified, and based on such findings, recommendation should be given regarding procedures for improving the current situation in agricultural technology. For...

Utilisation of rheological models for describing the mechanical behaviour of oil palm empty fruit bunches under compression loading

Tomáš Saller, David Herák

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):199-205 | DOI: 10.17221/17/2023-RAE  

This study uses rheological models to describe the mechanical behaviour of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) under compression loading. The oil palm empty fruit bunches were obtained from North Sumatra, Indonesia. The rheological models for different fraction sizes of the mechanical behaviour under compression loading were developed based on a mathematical concept involving spring and dashpot components. The dependencies between fraction size, viscosity, and modulus elasticity were determined and mathematically described for each branch of the rheological model. The general rheological model was developed based on the defined dependencies, considering...

Determination of sorghum production energy input-output balance under farmers' practices in the Hararghe lowland areas of Ethiopia.

Birhanu Gurracho, Yetenayet Tola, Abebe Badie, Solomon Habtegabriel, Sirawdink Forsido

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):189-198 | DOI: 10.17221/11/2023-RAE  

Sorghum production energy input-output balance was studied during the 2020/2021 production year in Hararghe lowland areas of Ethiopia under farming methods practised by the farmers. The study aimed to assess the energy input and output and to analyse the energy use efficiency of sorghum production under farming practices of the farmers using the recently adopted early maturing varieties. Three sorghum varieties were used with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in 3 replications. Production inputs were uniformly applied to the entire unit plots. The average total production energy input was 12 188.07 MJ·ha^–1 in which...

Development and evaluation of an electromagnetic device to improve the physiological properties of some crop seeds

Ahmed Shawky El-Sayed

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):167-178 | DOI: 10.17221/108/2022-RAE  

This research aims to develop an eco-friendly technique for treating seeds before sowing and improving their physiological features. The developed technique depends on utilizing synchronized electro-magnetization and microwave radiation. An electromagnetic device was evaluated to provide multiple treatment ranges. The treatments are regulated electronically according to the seeds' physiological properties and storage duration. The device was designed to accommodate small and medium seeds for a variety of strategic crops, including wheat, barley, etc. Three different treated wheat varieties were tested and compared to the control. Also, eight different...

Mathematical modeling of drying parameters of moringa oleifera leaves in a cabinet drye

Timothy Adekanye, Abiodun Okunola, Olumuyiwa Moses, Endurance Idahosa, Yisa Boye, Aminu Saleh

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(4):159-166 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2022-RAE  

This study focused on drying moringa leaves using a cabinet dryer. The impact of the 40, 50, and 60 °C drying air temperatures on the moisture content of the leaves at a constant air velocity with variation in weight (40, 80, and 120 g) was considered. Ten drying models were fitted to the drying data to describe the drying parameters of moringa leaves. The best model was chosen based on the highest coefficient of determination (R²), and the lowest sum of square error (SSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. The Henderson and Pabis model best described the drying characteristics of the moringa leaves having...

Evaluation and modelling of biogas production from batch anaerobic digestion of corn stover with oxalic acid

Shitophyta Lukhi Mulia, Arnita Arnita, Wulansari Hilda Dyah Ana

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):151-157 | DOI: 10.17221/98/2022-RAE  

Corn stover is one of the potential lignocellulosic biomasses as the raw material of biogas production. Pretreatment of lignocellulose substrates can enhance biodegradability and biogas yield. This study investigates the effect of oxalic acid pretreatment on biogas production during batch anaerobic digestion of corn stover. First-order, logistic, modified Gompertz and transference models predicted kinetic parameters during biogas production from pretreated corn stover. Results showed that oxalic acid pretreatment significantly affected biogas production (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative biogas yields of pretreated and untreated corn...

Study on drying of bitter gourd slices based on halogen dryer

Dinh Anh Tuan Tran, Tuan Nguyen Van, Dinh Nhat Hoai Le, Thi Khanh Phuong Ho

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):143-150 | DOI: 10.17221/97/2022-RAE  

In this study, the drying of bitter gourd slices with a halogen dryer was done at different thicknesses of bitter gourd (3, 5, and 7 mm) and temperatures (60, 65, and 70 °C). The effect of varying drying characteristics in the experiment was explored. Experimental results were evaluated based on the drying time and moisture content. The results indicate that the material drying thickness and drying temperature significantly impact the drying time and the equilibrium moisture content. Furthermore, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) model is also used to train and predict the moisture content of bitter gourd in this research....

A novel hybrid feature method for weeds identification in the agriculture sector

Sheeraz Arif Arif, Rashid Hussain, Nadia Mustaqim Ansari, Waseem Rauf

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):132-142 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2022-RAE  

Weed identification and controlling systems are gaining great attention and are very effective for large productivity in the agriculture sector. Currently, farmers are facing a weed control and management problem, and to tackle this challenge precision agriculture in the form of selective spraying is much-needed practice. In this article, we introduce a novel framework for a weed identification system that leverages (hybrid) the robust and relevant features of deep learning models, such as convolutional neural network (CNN) and handcrafted features. First, we apply the image pre-processing and augmentation techniques for image quality and dataset size...

Enhanced biodiesel production from waste cooking oils catalyzed by sodium hydroxide supported on heterogeneous co-catalyst of bentonite clay

Darwin Darwin, Rini Ayu Marisa Harahap, Atmadian Pratama, Muhammad Thifa, Muhammad Alwi A Fayed

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):124-131 | DOI: 10.17221/70/2022-RAE  

Various proportions of bentonite clay performing as co-catalysts were evaluated for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO). The results showed that the use of bentonite as a heterogeneous co-catalyst could significantly increase the biodiesel yield by approximately 50% of the control. The heterogeneous co-catalyst of bentonite clay improved the properties of the produced biodiesel including acid number, free fatty acids (FFA), relative density, kinematic viscosity and flash point fulfilling with the standard ASTM limits and the European Biodiesel Standard (EN 14214). The use of bentonite clay in the transesterification of WCO...

Design and construction of coffee roasting machine with rounding cylinder tube using electric heat source

Andriani Lubis, Syafriandi Syafriandi, Muhammad Idkham, Ari Maulana

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):118-123 | DOI: 10.17221/69/2022-RAE  

The purpose of this research is  to design a rounding cylinder tube on a coffee roaster using an electric heating element that will be used to roast coffee. The roasting process also uses an electric motor to rotate the cylindrical drum so that the stirring process becomes even. The research was conducted using engineering methods including identification of problems, roasting machine design formulation, prototyping, functional testing, and performance testing. The data analysed are roasting capacity, roasting temperature and the need for electrical energy used. The results showed that the roasting capacity was 2.3 kg·h^–1....

3D finite element analysis of tine cultivator and soil deformation

Muhammad Hashaam, Muhammad Waqar Akram, Moaz Ahmad, Muhammad Zuhaib Akram, Muhammad Faheem, Muhammad Maqsood, Muhammad Aleem

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(3):107-117 | DOI: 10.17221/58/2022-RAE  

For effective tillage, design and selection of tillage tool according to soil type and condition is very important. The present study is carried out for in-depth investigation of different types of shovels of tine cultivator and behavior of soil in response to loads subjected during tillage using finite element analysis. Different types of shovels like reversible, duck foot, seed drill and cultivator shovel are simulated with different types of soil like sand, clay and loam. The origination, level and distribution of stresses and deformations in shovels experienced in different types of soils are probed. Furthermore, high stressed and crack sensitive...

Influence of primary tillage on the displacement of soil particles

Pavel Brož, Josef Hůla

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):101-106 | DOI: 10.17221/76/2022-RAE  

The loss of soil particles due to erosion is one of the main problems of current agriculture. However, soil tillage may also contribute to the undesirable transport of soil particles. It is to note that the effects of particular working elements used on implements for soil tillage have not been described in a sufficient way. To determine the translocation of soil particles, measurements were done in the Central Bohemian region. Two basic machines for soil tillage were used for measurements: a disc harrow and a tine cultivator. Measurements were performed on sandy-loamy Cambisol after the harvest of a spring cereal crop. White limestone grit was...

The effect of large doses of organic fertilisers on maize

Pavel Brož, Jaroslav Korba, Jitka Edrová, Josef Hůla, Petr Šařec

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):94-100 | DOI: 10.17221/75/2022-RAE  

Organic fertilisers are among the important factors increasing soil fertility. Their use belongs to sustainable technologies. As part of the field experiment, the effect of high doses of organic fertilisers on the parameters of the cultivated crop was monitored. The experiment was established using manure, compost and digestate. Monitored dosages were 40 and 200 t·ha^–1. The field trial was based on a light cambisoil. The cultivated crop was maize. A blade cultivator was used in all cases to incorporate fertilisers. The qualitative parameters of the fertilisers were evaluated, as well as the maize yield and the quality of the resulting...

Field evaluation of a bent leg tillage implement in dry soil conditions

Aliakbar Solhjou, Sayed Mansor Alavimanesh

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):85-93 | DOI: 10.17221/41/2022-RAE  

Tillage operations in dry soil conditions have increasingly been used in Iran in recent years. However, due to the recent droughts, the choice of suitable implements to reduce the clod and draught force is still under investigation. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the geometry of a bent leg tillage implement on the soil pulverisation and draught force in dry soil conditions. The treatments included three bent leg tillage depths (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three forward speeds (6, 9, and 12 km·h^–1). The effect of the bent leg tillage implement on the clod mean weight diameter (MWD) and draught force was studied...

Contrasting tillage systems and vertical arable layer stratification impacts on soil aggregates and root biomass in Lithuania

Inga Andruškaité, Vaclovas Bogužas

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):76-84 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2022-RAE  

Tillage intensity can affect soil quality through soil aggregates, which are strongly associated with organic carbon. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different intensity tillage (conventional ploughing (CP), shallow ploughing (SP), deep cultivation (DC), shallow cultivation (SC), no-tillage (NT)) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil aggregates at the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm layers and root biomass at the 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm layers. The field experiment on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) consisted of a split-plot arrangement with four replications. Dry soil aggregates were...

Comparison of the machine learning and AquaCrop models for quinoa crops

Rossy Chumbe, Stefany Silva, Yvan Garcia

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):65-75 | DOI: 10.17221/86/2021-RAE  

One of the main causes of having low crop efficiency in Peru is the poor management of water resources; which is why the main objective of this article is to estimate the amount of irrigation water required in quinoa crops through a comparison between the machine learning and AquaCrop models. For the development of this study, meteorological data from the province of Jauja and descriptive data of quinoa crops were processed and a simulation period was established from June to December 2020. From the simulation carried out, it was determined that the best model to predict the required irrigation water is the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) model in which...

Evaluation of low temperature drying characteristics of fresh tea leaves (Camellia assamica) in an environmental chamber using mathematical models

Anindita Sharma, Partha Pratim Dutta

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(2):55-64 | DOI: 10.17221/28/2021-RAE  

Low-temperature drying (withering) is the first stage in black tea processing. Determination of appropriate end moisture content of green tea leaf as well as temperature and relative humidity (RH) maintained during withering eventually aid the final quality of the processed tea. Therefore, the tea leaf withering (partial drying) properties were evaluated in an environmental chamber using mathematical models. The temperatures and RH considered were 25, 30, 35 °C and 80, 85, 90%, respectively. A total of nine combinations of temperature and RH were considered by keeping one parameter constant. The conditions were taken adhering to that of the climatic...

Development and evaluation of a low-cost evaporative cooling system for agricultural product storage

Natesan Kapilan, Vijay Kumar Patil

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):48-53 | DOI: 10.17221/41/2021-RAE  

Agricultural products are highly perishable and, hence, we need to preserve these products after harvest. India is an agricultural country and, thus, the post-harvest storage of perishable agricultural products is important to reduce the gap between the demand and supply. Cold storage technologies have been developed and are used in India; however, these technologies are not popular in rural and remote areas due to the higher initial cost and the electrical energy requirement. Therefore, a number of low-cost technologies have been developed and, among these technologies, the evaporative cooling technology is gaining in popularity due to its simple...

Estimation of corn coefficients with vegetation indices using multispectral camera and drone

Christos Dimitrios Papanikolaou^*, Maria Andreas Sakellariou-Makrantonaki

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):36-47 | DOI: 10.17221/19/2022-RAE  

Optimum irrigation scheduling and new technologies are the key to the successful practice of modern agriculture and natural resources, such as water management. Α three-year research project was conducted at Velestino, Magnesia, Greece. The aim was to study whether vegetation indices can be used to estimate the crop coefficients of corn in order to apply an intelligent method of irrigation using drones in the future. The normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), the soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), the renormalised difference vegetation index (RDVI) and a new index [difference infrared – green vegetation index (DIGVI)] were calculated...

Dielectric properties of materials for 3D printing at high frequencies

Tomáš Pícha, Stanislava Papežová

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):28-35 | DOI: 10.17221/10/2022-RAE  

3D printing is widely used method. In the term of developing of components for electronic devices, it is important to provide the good physical properties of the used dielectric. The main parameters are optional and stable value of the relative permittivity and the minimum dielectric losses of the material. The paper is focused on testing of loss factor and relative permittivity of following materials: polylactic acid (PLA, in two dye modifications), polyethylene terephthalateglycol (PET- G) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in the frequency range of 1-100 MHz. It was proven, that the values of permittivity of the tested materials were 2.9-4.2...

Influence of the excavator hydraulic system efficiency on the productivity

Michal Jůza, Petr Heřmánek

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):18-27 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2021-RAE  

This paper presents the experimental research of factors influencing the UDS 214 excavator efficiency. The hydraulic oil flow rate is measured in hydraulic circuits for controlling the moving of the bucket of the UDS 214 ex­cavator. From the measured values, the total power losses of the individual hydraulic circuits and their efficiencies are evaluated by calculations and measurements. Furthermore, the times of the excavator cycles during a soil excavation and loading of the transport vehicle were measured. From the measured operating cycle times of the excavator, the average value of the operating cycle time was evaluated and, from this average time,...

Model development and optimisation of the disc plough efficiency on loamy-sand soil in South-East Nigeria

Okechukwu Oduma, Precious Ehiomogue, Dilibe Ifanyi Ntunde

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):9-17 | DOI: 10.17221/72/2021-RAE  

This study was conducted to model and optimise the efficiency of a disc plough on loamy-sand soil in South-East Nigeria to aid farmers to examine and choose the right ploughing implement based on the soil type for an effective and bountiful production. The operational speed and cutting depth were taken as factors for the study of the plough efficiency. The results revealed that the highest field efficiency of 80% was noted when the plough worked at the cutting depth of 30 cm and a speed of 5 km·h^–1 while the lowest efficiency of 68.10% was achieved at a speed of 9 km·h^–1 and a depth of 10 cm. The quadratic...

Thin layer drying characteristics of alligator pepper, ginger and turmeric

Adebayo Olasunkanmi Salau^*, Babatunde Sunday Ogunsina, Adewale Waliu Adebayo, Adekunle Felix Okunade

Res. Agr. Eng., 2023, 69(1):1-8 | DOI: 10.17221/71/2021-RAE  

The delightful pungency, aromatic compounds and phytochemicals in some spices make them indispensable in local food systems and native medicine, hence, driving a robust market in many parts of the world. The understanding of their drying characteristics is very important for processing and adding value, and a thin layer drying study is a proven method for achieving this. In this study, changes in the moisture content, moisture ratio, drying rate and effective diffusivity of alligator peppers, ginger and turmeric were investigated at three drying temperatures 50, 60, and 70 °C following standard procedures. Five models were proposed to simulate the...