Research in Agricultural Engineering, 2024 (vol. 70), issue 4

Control of odour and gaseous emissions from livestock buildings: Recent research and developmentsReview

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...

Modelling of energy demand prediction system in potato farming using deep learning methodOriginal Paper

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,...

Modeling and optimization of dynamic isothermal compressibility features on flowability of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl nutshell powderOriginal Paper

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...

Prediction of physicochemical characteristics of Lemon (Citrus limon cv. Montaji Agrihorti) using Vis-NIR spectroscopy and machine learning modelOriginal Paper

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...

Ergonomic investigation on spraying task performance in paddy farming activitiesOriginal Paper

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 depthShort Communication

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...