Research in Agricultural Engineering, 2026 (vol. 72), issue 2
Thin-layer drying kinetics and quality assessment of octopus (Octopus sp.) using mixed and open solar dryersOriginal Paper
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...
The Auto Sprinkler Rover: An innovative fertiliser applicator for sustainable agricultureOriginal Paper
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...
Harvester service life impact on sugarcane field losses and product contaminationOriginal Paper
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...
Investigation of the drying kinetics of a residual nut mixture using mathematical models and artificialneural networksOriginal Paper
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...
Comparative study of portable Vis-NIR spectrometers for corn moisture content prediction using machine learningOriginal Paper
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...
Effect of maturity and the colour parameters on the cocoa opening force using the existing mechanical systemOriginal Paper
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...