Research in Agricultural Engineering - Latest articles
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Ergonomic investigation on spraying task performance in paddy farming activities
Dian Mardi Safitri, Novia Rahmawati, Winnie Septiani, Nora Azmi, Azizah Nurul Hanifati, Ummi Noor Nazahiah binti Abdullah, Norashiken binti Othman
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):226-236 | DOI: 10.17221/80/2023-RAE 
The commodity rice in Indonesia and the administration of rice fields are given particular focus by the government. Spraying activities are known to increase the risk of exposure to chemicals for farmers, resulting in a loss of working days for 3–7 days. It is necessary to carry out ergonomic interventions for spraying activities to make the activity safer for farmers. This research aims to identify the ergonomics and safety problems of spraying activities in rice field farming, to analyse and develop intervention parameters to solve issues in spraying activities, and to generate innovative design concepts to overcome spraying problems. Prospective...
Geometrical analysis of 3-point linkage of tractors for measurement and display of implement’s working depth
P K Pranav, Anmol Kumar, Abhishek Kumar Ansh, Sanjay Kumar
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):237-244 | DOI: 10.17221/23/2024-RAE
The display of the depth of operation on tractors' dashboards facilitates the operator in achieving precise operation. In this study, the depth of operation of a mounted implement was measured and digitally displayed on a tractor's dashboard. The change in depth of operation was sensed by measuring the rotation of the rocker arm of the tractor's hydraulic system. The measured angle of rotation was multiplied by a calibration factor to convert it into the actual depth of operation in centimetres. For the calibration factor, a geometrical analysis of the three-point linkage was carried out, and a mathematical relationship was established based...
Prediction of physicochemical characteristics of Lemon (Citrus limon cv. Montaji Agrihorti) using Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning model
Jihan Nada Salsabila Erha, Dina Wahyu Indriani, Zaqlul Iqbal, Bambang Susilo, Dimas Firmanda Al Riza
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):218-225 | DOI: 10.17221/25/2024-RAE
Lemons are fruit products that grow well in Indonesia. Montaji Agrihorti is one of the lemon varieties found in Indonesia, a new variety developed by Balitjestro breeding. This lemon variety is seedless. In fact, lemons are harvested nearly all year-round. Equally important, evaluating the fruit's maturity level is crucial for determining the optimal harvest time. In this study, standardizing measurement on maturity level was conducted through Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning models. In this case, non-destructive data from Vis-NIR spectroscopy were correlated with parameters related to fruit maturity and quality, such as soluble solid content...
Modeling and optimization of dynamic isothermal compressibility features on flowability of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl nutshell powder
James Chinaka Ehiem, Victor Ifeanyichukwu Obiora Ndirika, Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka, Raghavan Vijayan
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):209-217 | DOI: 10.17221/24/2024-RAE
The compressibility features (bulk density, tapped bulk density, porosity, coefficient of compressibility and Hauser ratio) of Canarium schweinfurthii engl. nutshell powder as it affects flowability during densification process were investigated. Three different moisture contents (10.13, 15.07 and 20.11% wet basis; w.b.) and particle sizes of 0.659 7, 1.26 and 2.05 mm were considered at pressure range of 2 to 10 MPa. The compressibility relationship with the factors were modelled and the optimum flow conditions were also determined. The obtained results showed that particle size and moisture content had incremental influence on the...
Modelling of energy demand prediction system in potato farming using deep learning method
Riswanti Sigalingging, Nasha Putri Sebayang, Noverita Sprinse Vinolina, Lukman Adlin Harahap
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):198-208 | DOI: 10.17221/115/2023-RAE
Agriculture and energy are intricately connected, with agriculture being a significant energy consumer and supplier. In this comprehensive study, SPSS and Jupyter Notebook were used to model and predict the energy requirements of potato plants during cultivation. A system using deep learning methods, specifically the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), was also developed to accurately predict the classification of potato plant growth phases using image data. The CNN model, developed with 100 epochs and 5 layers, used 1 125 image data of potato plants, categorising them into two classes: the vegetative phase, with an energy requirement of 4 195.80 MJ·ha–1,...
Control of odour and gaseous emissions from livestock buildings: Recent research and developments
Roger Jay Lamadrid De Vela
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(4):181-197 | DOI: 10.17221/55/2024-RAE
One major challenge in the continuous growth of the livestock industry is the increased emission of odorous gases, which is not just a nuisance but also a cause of serious health and environmental concerns. Several strategies which aim to: (i) reduce the formation of odorous gases; (ii) enhance dispersion of odour; (iii) capture odour and gases to prevent escape to the environment; and (iv) reduce odour and gaseous concentrations, are developed. These are achieved with the use or employment of one or more of: (i) diet manipulation techniques; (ii) additives and adsorbents; (iii) covers; (iv) shelterbelts...
Effect of physical energy on germination and seedling vigor of alfalfa seeds (Medicago sativa L.)
Ali Hajizadeh Namin, Abbas Akbarnia, Rouzbeh Abbaszadeh, Ali Zenouzi, Majid Masoumian
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):174-180 | DOI: 10.17221/114/2023-RAE
Recently, non-thermal technologies have emerged as a means to ensure the safety of agricultural products while also promoting plant growth and reducing pathogenic and chemical contamination of seeds. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of various treatments on the germination characteristics of alfalfa seeds. The experiment utilised a completely randomised design with five treatments and three replications, including cold plasma exposure, direct current (DC) electromagnetic field, magnetic field, and a combination of plasma exposure with magnetic and electromagnetic fields. The treated seeds were compared to the control seeds (without...
The efficiency of unmanned aerial vehicles application for rapeseed productivity in Ukraine
Fedir Melnychuk, Svitlana Alekseeva, Oleksandra Hordiienko, Oleksii Nychyporuk, Andrii Borysenko, Nataliia Didenko
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):167-173 | DOI: 10.17221/87/2023-RAE
In modern conditions, high-precision technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are the basis for increasing the efficiency of agricultural land use and crop productivity. Nowadays, new technology development needs to be improved, so the study and the implementation of various innovations in this field are quite relevant and important. The research aimed to find effective pesticides and a selection of spraying solution norms to increase rapeseed yield. The least significant difference test was used to separate the means of the dependent variables in response to predictor variables at P ≤ 0.05. It was established that herbicides...
Advancements in fuzzy expert systems for site-specific nitrogen fertilisation: Incorporating RGB colour codes and irrigation schedules for precision maize production in Bangladesh
Bitopi Biswas, Mohammad Tariful Alam Khan, Mohammad Billal Hossain Momen, Mohammad. Rashedur Rahman Tanvir, Abu Mohammad Shahidul Alam, M Robiul Islam Islam
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):155-166 | DOI: 10.17221/35/2024-RAE
The research was conducted at the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi University, from December 2021 to April 2022. The objective was to develop a fuzzy expert system for site-specific N fertilisation using leaf colour code (RGB) and irrigation frequencies for maize yield. The experiment encompassed two primary factors: nitrogen fertiliser application rates (N1: 100%, N2: 75%, N3: 50% of conventional rates) and irrigation frequencies (I1: 100%, I2: 75%, I3: 50% of pan evaporation). A completely randomised design...
The effect of stimulants on the responsiveness and biorhythms of young operators of agricultural machinery
Veronika Hartová, Jan Hart
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):143-154 | DOI: 10.17221/4/2024-RAE
Fatigue behind the wheel has been addressed repeatedly for at least 15 years. Various research projects, studies, and systems have been developed to prove the effect of fatigue on the number of accidents and possibly to inform drivers that this situation has occurred. The article examines the influence of stimulants on the fatigue of young agricultural machinery drivers. Commonly available means for reducing driver fatigue were chosen as stimulants (coffee, tea, maté, guarana, energy drink, lemon extract with sugar). A special test station with automatic reaction time evaluation was developed to test drivers’ reaction ability (responsiveness)....
Detecting adulteration in mustard oil using low-frequency dielectric spectroscopy
Venkatesh Mishra, Satyendra Pratap Singh, Sumit Kaur Bhatia, Vishal Singh Chandel, Rajiv Manohar
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):134-142 | DOI: 10.17221/108/2023-RAE
This paper presents a dielectric spectroscopy approach for analysing the quality of food products. This study aimed to detect the adulteration in mustard oil using dielectric spectroscopy in the 1 to 10 MHz frequency range at a temperature of 30 to 50 °C. The dielectric data were used to predict the adulteration in oils at the given frequency range. The finding indicates that using data analysis techniques can further improve the capacity of dielectric sensing to detect adulterated edible oil. Using MATLAB R2021a, linear relationships between the frequency and adulteration percentage variables were obtained to predict the dielectric constant...
The effect of parameter adjustment in sago palm classification-based convolutional neural network (CNN) model
Sri Murniani Angelina Letsoin, David Herák
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(3):123-133 | DOI: 10.17221/65/2023-RAE
In our study location, Merauke Regency, the easternmost city in Indonesia, the sago palm is associated with different types of ecosystems and other non-sago vegetation. During the harvesting season, the white flowers blossoming between the leaves on the tops of palm trees may be distinguished manually. Four classes were determined to address the visual inspections involving different parameters that were examined through the metric evaluation and then analysed statistically. The computed Kruskal-Wallis test found that the parameters vary in each network with a P-value of 0.00341, with at least one class being higher than the others, i.e., non-sago...
Influence of soil tillage technology on tillage erosion
Jaroslav Korba, Pavel Bro¾, Josef Hùla, Petr Novák, Václav Novák
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):104-110 | DOI: 10.17221/64/2023-RAE
Tillage-induced erosion has negative impacts on the soil environment and production of the soil under intensive farming. Tillage erosion was evaluated during soil tillage performed by two technologies, i.e. conventional tillage and reduced tillage, commonly used in the Czech Republic. A field experiment was aimed at evaluating the soil particle translocation and magnitude of the vector angle. Aluminium cubes with an edge length of 16 mm were used as tracers. After each soil tillage operation, a metal detector searched these tracers in the topsoil. During the experiment, agricultural practices were always carried out on their respective...
Digital image processing for preliminary detection of infected porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) seedlings
Aryanis Mutia Zahra, Noveria Anggi Nurrahmah, Sri Rahayoe, Rudiati Evi Masithoh, Muhammad Fahri Reza Pahlawan, Laila Rahmawati
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):111-121 | DOI: 10.17221/79/2023-RAE
Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) is an Indonesian parental plant tuber developed vegetatively from bulbils during dormancy and harvested through petiole detachment for the industrial production of glucomannan. Pathogenic fungi and whiteflies can cause infection during harvesting and storage, destructing plant cells as well as reducing seed quality and crop yields. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a calibration model for detecting infected and non-infected porang bulbils using a computer vision system. Image parameters such as colour (red, green, blue – RGB and hue, saturation, intensity – HSI), texture (contrast, homogeneity,...
Study on parameters affecting vibration in height adjustment of a combine harvester header model
Kittikhun Prasertkan, Prathuang Usaborisut, Krittatee Jindawong, Kiatkong Suwannakij, Anusorn Iamrurksiri
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):92-103 | DOI: 10.17221/53/2023-RAE
In Thailand, vibration problems often occur with rice combine harvester automatic header height adjusting systems. This study aimed to identify parameters for reducing the vibration and managing response time for harvesting speed configuration. An experimental combine harvester header model was designed to automatically adjust three parameters: total movement time, time ratio, and final phase distance within vertical movement ranges of 200, 250, or 300 mm. These parameters were controlled using a proportional flow control valve and a professional learning community (PLC) control unit. The results showed that increased time ratio, final phase...
Application of the physical properties of local cowpea varieties in the development of a multi-variety cowpea cleaner
Babatunde Olusola Adetifa, Elizabeth Ayobami Olumomi, Taiwo Moses Samuel, Ayoola Abiola Babalola
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):82-91 | DOI: 10.17221/51/2023-RAE
Cowpea, an annual legume widely grown and consumed in Nigeria, has been observed to contain between 27–33% impurities when freshly harvested and threshed. This poses a threat to humans when consumed and in large-scale agricultural processing. Therefore, this study is aimed at developing and evaluating the performance of a multi-variety cowpea cleaner (MVCC). Using standard methods, some selected engineering properties of the cowpea varieties were examined and used in the design of the MVCC. The cowpea had a moisture content of 8–14%, depending on the locations and varieties. Other properties investigated include the length, width, thickness,...
Drying and color kinetics of decorticated queen pineapple (Ananas comosus Linn.) fiber bleached with hydrogen peroxide solution
Roger Jay Lamadrid De Vela, Arnold Recidocruz Elepano
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):73-81 | DOI: 10.17221/47/2023-RAE
The drying and colour kinetics of H2O2-bleached pineapple fibres were studied to determine an optimum drying condition and appropriate drying and colour kinetic models. The experiments were conducted under drying air temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 ºC, air velocities of 0.27, 0.38 and 0.42 m×s–1 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations of 1, 3 and 5% by volume arranged in a three-factor factorial experimental design. Colour values were quantified by the CIELab system where L* is the lightness value, a* is redness/greenness and b* is yellowness/blueness....
Location-specific technology transfer model in an agricultural technology park, Indonesia
Harmi Andrianyta, Elisa Anggraeni, Sapta Raharja, Sukardi Sukardi
Res. Agr. Eng., 2024, 70(2):61-72 | DOI: 10.17221/7/2023-RAE
Diversity in the characteristics of agricultural locations has the potential to develop. Unfortunately, the weak transfer of technology based on the characteristics of the location indicates that this potential cannot grow properly. This research aims to synthesise a technology transfer model for an agricultural technology park (ATP) by considering site-specific conditions. This cross-case study was conducted at selected ATP locations. Model synthesis uses the system development life cycle stages of initiation, analysis, and design. The resource-based view approach was broken down into several variables during the analysis stage. Three location-specific...
Reconstructed military machine for unique field testing of agricultural machinery capabilities
Kornél Szalay, Jiøí Souèek, 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...