Journal Description
AgriEngineering
AgriEngineering
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the engineering science of agricultural and horticultural production, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PubAg, FSTA, AGRIS, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Horticulture)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 25.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.8 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.7 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Effect of Vortex Generators on Spray Deposition and Drift from an Agricultural Aircraft
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1683-1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020097 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
Abstract
Vortex generators (VGs) attached to the leading edge of an agricultural aircraft are purported to control airflow over the upper surface of the wing by creating small vortices that delay boundary layer separation, thereby improving the performance of the aircraft. These devices are
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Vortex generators (VGs) attached to the leading edge of an agricultural aircraft are purported to control airflow over the upper surface of the wing by creating small vortices that delay boundary layer separation, thereby improving the performance of the aircraft. These devices are commercially available for use in the aviation industry, primarily to increase pilot control of the aircraft. The benefits attributed to VGs remain largely descriptive and anecdotal in nature without rigorous empirical assessment in the field. The intent of this study was to evaluate whether this aerodynamic device could improve deposition or reduce drift when mounted on an agricultural aircraft. Airborne drift and ground deposition were measured with monofilament lines and Mylar cards, respectively. Deposits were expressed as percent of fluorometric response using a spectrofluorophotometer. There were 46% fewer downwind drift deposits on monofilament lines when VGs were installed than when VGs were not installed. Whether or not VGs were installed on the aircraft was the predominant factor which influenced deposition on monofilament lines. Spray deposits on Mylar cards placed at ground level downwind of the applications at three different locations (5, 10, and 20 m) varied significantly (p < 0.0001) between treatments, with corresponding 31, 54, and 61% reductions in downwind deposits when VGs were installed. While these findings overall are positive, this is the first known study of its type, and more research is warranted to better understand the role of vortex generators in the reduction in drift relative to aerially applied sprays.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery)
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Open AccessArticle
Bioremediation of Basil Pesto Sauce-Manufactured Wastewater by the Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Beij. and Scenedesmus sp.
by
Paolina Scarponi, Francesca Frongia, Maria Rita Cramarossa, Fabrizio Roncaglia, Laura Arru and Luca Forti
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1674-1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020096 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
Abstract
Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus sp. are commonly used in wastewater treatment due to their fast growth rates and ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions. This study explored the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus sp. using wastewater from the food industry,
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Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus sp. are commonly used in wastewater treatment due to their fast growth rates and ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions. This study explored the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus sp. using wastewater from the food industry, particularly from Italian basil pesto production tanks. The experiment involved different carbon dioxide concentrations and light conditions with a dilution rate of basil pesto wastewater at 1:2. Both microalgae strains were able to grow on pesto wastewater, and biomass characterization highlighted the influence of CO2 supply and light irradiation. The highest lipid storage was 79.3 ± 11.4 mg gdry biomass−1 and 75.5 ± 13.3 mg gdry biomass−1 for C. vulgaris and S. obliquus under red light (5% CO2 supply) and white light (0.04% CO2 supply), respectively. Protein storage was detected at 20.3 ± 1.0% and 24.8 ± 1.3% in C. vulgaris and S. obliquus biomasses under white light with a 5% CO2 and 0.04% CO2 supply, respectively. The removal of P, N, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand resulted in 80–100%, 75–100%, 26–35%, and 0–20%, respectively.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods for Food Product Preservation)
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Open AccessArticle
Usability Testing of Novel IoT-Infused Digital Services on Farm Equipment Reveals Farmer’s Requirements towards Future Human–Machine Interface Design Guidelines
by
Christina Sebald, Maximilian Treiber, Esmahan Eryilmaz and Heinz Bernhardt
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1660-1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020095 - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
The application of digital technologies in the agricultural sector is increasing. One of the new key technologies is the Internet of Things (IoT), which can facilitate the everyday work of farmers. For the successful adoption of IoT-enabled digital products and to ensure improved
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The application of digital technologies in the agricultural sector is increasing. One of the new key technologies is the Internet of Things (IoT), which can facilitate the everyday work of farmers. For the successful adoption of IoT-enabled digital products and to ensure improved workflows, the usability of human–machine interfaces is highly important. Various design approaches of human–machine interfaces (HMIs) can currently be found in the monitoring of agricultural machinery. In this work, the most well-known HMIs are considered. Based on a usability test (participants n = 9), the user interface (UI) of a novel mobile application (NEVONEX Cockpit App) was chosen as an example of a design approach of an IoT ecosystem that is oriented towards the UI design of mobile applications. This work aims to identify the weak points of this UI. Conclusions about the needs, and thus an improvement of the user experience, are based on the suggestions for improvement and the information about the general requirements of farmers for a UI for agricultural machinery. Here, it was found that most farmers are satisfied with the UI design of their familiar tractor monitors. According to the survey, the three most important points to be considered in the UI design are intuitive operation and menu navigation, easy access to the essential functions and buttons, and sufficiently large control panels. The conducted usability tests can be considered a basis for developing HMIs for agriculture machinery. Through repeated execution of comparable usability tests, there is the possibility of developing future HMI guidelines for agriculture to improve the user experience (UX). For the NEVONEX ecosystem, feedback from the user interface testing was incorporated in a major revision of the Cockpit App’s design, where a lot more display space was given to the agronomic digital services by smartly arranging infrastructure functions in tiles.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Emerging Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Technologies, and Applications—2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Improvement in Productivity and Quality of Soilless Saffron Crops by Implementing Fertigation
by
Juan Luis Valenzuela, José Gregorio Díaz and María del Carmen Salas-Sanjuán
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1649-1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020094 - 5 Jun 2024
Abstract
Saffron cultivation is important in global agriculture and is mainly flourishing in Mediterranean climates. Although it originated in Asia Minor, it is widely grown in regions such as Iran, India, Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Italy. Labour-intensive harvesting, mainly by hand, characterises its production
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Saffron cultivation is important in global agriculture and is mainly flourishing in Mediterranean climates. Although it originated in Asia Minor, it is widely grown in regions such as Iran, India, Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Italy. Labour-intensive harvesting, mainly by hand, characterises its production and offers substantial employment opportunities in cultivating areas. However, traditional saffron-producing countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece have witnessed declining production due to labour demands and competition from low-wage countries. Mechanization remains unfeasible due to the delicate nature of the plant. To revitalise saffron cultivation, efforts have been focused on reducing labour costs, improving productivity, and improving quality through innovative techniques, such as soilless crops. In this study, the productivity and quality of saffron was evaluated in a soilless culture and three fertigation doses were evaluated: a control, consisting of Sonneveld and Voogt’s standard nutrient solution, and two treatments with two supplemented solutions, 30% K and 30% Ca. The results indicated that the solution with 30% K obtained higher corm productivity, as well as better quality saffron, as all the products of this treatment were included in Category I according to the ISO 3632 standard, while the quality of saffron grown with the control solution was lower.
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Open AccessArticle
Chemical Control of Coffee Berry Borer Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under Different Operating Conditions
by
João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da Cunha, Luana de Lima Lopes and Cleyton Batista de Alvarenga
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1639-1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020093 - 5 Jun 2024
Abstract
The application of pesticides using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown, but there is a lack of information to support more efficient applications. Using a DJI AGRAS-MG-1P octocopter equipped with different spray tips, this study sought to explore spray deposition (leaves and fruit)
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The application of pesticides using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown, but there is a lack of information to support more efficient applications. Using a DJI AGRAS-MG-1P octocopter equipped with different spray tips, this study sought to explore spray deposition (leaves and fruit) and efficacy of chlorpyrifos on control of coffee berry borer at different spray volumes and flight heights. The study was conducted in an Arabica coffee plantation. The study consisted of eight treatments and four replications in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme: two flight heights (1.5 and 3.0 m), two spray tips (hollow cone and flat fan), and two spray volumes (10 and 15 L ha−1). Deposition was assessed by detecting a tracer in the coffee leaves and fruit using spectrophotometry. The coffee berry borer-control efficacy trial was conducted in two areas by evaluating the percentage of damaged fruit 60 days after two insecticide applications. The flight height of 1.5 m promoted higher spray deposition on leaves and fruit and a lower incidence of damaged fruit. Flat fan spray tips resulted in higher spray deposition on the leaves, not interfering with the deposition on fruit or the coffee berry borer control. Increasing the spray volume from 10 to 15 L ha−1 did not increase spray deposition on coffee leaves and fruit. Chlorpyrifos applied via UAVs reduced the incidence of coffee berry borer.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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Open AccessArticle
Proposal of an Original Methodology to Evaluate the Performance of Chipper Machines
by
Roberto Fanigliulo, Walter Stefanoni, Laura Fornaciari, Renato Grilli, Stefano Benigni, Daniela Scutaru, Giulio Sperandio and Daniele Pochi
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1619-1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020092 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Wood fuel from the agroforestry sector is one of the main strategies cited by the EU for reducing energetic dependance on foreign markets. Its sustainability, both economic and environmental, can be improved through the optimization of harvesting and chipping operations. This study was
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Wood fuel from the agroforestry sector is one of the main strategies cited by the EU for reducing energetic dependance on foreign markets. Its sustainability, both economic and environmental, can be improved through the optimization of harvesting and chipping operations. This study was focused on the dynamic and energetic balance of the chipping phase carried out by a chipper operated by the power-take-off (PTO) of a medium-power tractor. Both machines were equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring of fuel consumption, PTO torque and speed, trunk diameter and working time during the comminution of 61 poplar trees grown in a medium rotation coppice system. The data analysis was carried out on the entire dataset (about 29,000 records) without considering their belonging to different trees. By means of proper data ordinations, it has been possible to define all the intervals in which the chipping stopped (e.g., between two trees) and to exclude them from the intervals of actual chipping. This has allowed forcomputation of operative and actual working time, as well as of the basic power required to operate the chipper and the power for actual chipping. Subsequently, the parameter values observed during actual chipping were related to the cutting diameters measured at the same instant. Subsequently, the dataset was divided according to seven diameter classes, and, for each class, the descriptive statistical indices of working time, work productivity, CO2 emissions, energy requirement and fuel consumption were calculated. Eventually, the correlation between the variations in trunk diameter and other parameters was verified both on the whole dataset and based on the class average values. The analysis made it possible to identify the conditions of greatest efficiency for the chipper. More generally, the method could help to increase the accuracy of measurements aimed at characterizing the performance of chippers from the point of view of dynamic energy requirements as well as in relation to different wood species.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery)
Open AccessArticle
Soqia-Advice: A Web-GIS Advisory Platform for Efficient Irrigation in Arboriculture
by
Abdelkhalek Ezzahri, Soukaina Boujdi, Mourad Bouziani, Reda Yaagoubi and Lahcen Kenny
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1594-1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020091 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The determination of water requirements for crops holds a crucial role in optimizing irrigation and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, identifying these needs remains a significant challenge due to the variety of factors influencing this decision, such as meteorological conditions, soil structure, and the
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The determination of water requirements for crops holds a crucial role in optimizing irrigation and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, identifying these needs remains a significant challenge due to the variety of factors influencing this decision, such as meteorological conditions, soil structure, and the phenological stages of each crop. In this study, we propose the design and development of a dedicated web-based irrigation advisory platform for arboriculture named ‘Soqia-Advice’. This platform will provide services to farmers, advisors, and decision-makers. The proposed methodology is based on four main steps: (1) need assessments; (2) definition of functionalities to fulfill these needs; (3) design of the overall architecture and the conceptual data model; and (4) implementation of key features of the module dedicated to farmers. The prototype of the “Farmer” module was tested on a farm in Azrou city, Morocco, as a case study. Seven-day weather forecasts were seamlessly integrated using the Weatherbit API. Additionally, the irrigation schedule was accurately displayed, ensuring efficient water management. Functionality tests were conducted on each menu to ensure the seamless and reliable operation of all planned features. The results were rigorously assessed to ensure that each feature aligned with the identified needs.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Classification of Soybean Genotypes as to Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur Content Using Machine Learning Models and UAV–Multispectral Sensor
by
Dthenifer Cordeiro Santana, Izabela Cristina de Oliveira, Sâmela Beutinger Cavalheiro, Paulo Henrique Menezes das Chagas, Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho, João Lucas Della-Silva, Larissa Pereira Ribeiro Teodoro, Cid Naudi Silva Campos, Fábio Henrique Rojo Baio, Carlos Antonio da Silva Junior and Paulo Eduardo Teodoro
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1581-1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020090 - 1 Jun 2024
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Making plant breeding programs less expensive, fast, practical, and accurate, especially for soybeans, promotes the selection of new soybean genotypes and contributes to the emergence of new varieties that are more efficient in absorbing and metabolizing nutrients. Using spectral information from soybean genotypes
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Making plant breeding programs less expensive, fast, practical, and accurate, especially for soybeans, promotes the selection of new soybean genotypes and contributes to the emergence of new varieties that are more efficient in absorbing and metabolizing nutrients. Using spectral information from soybean genotypes combined with nutritional information on secondary macronutrients can help genetic improvement programs select populations that are efficient in absorbing and metabolizing these nutrients. In addition, using machine learning algorithms to process this information makes the acquisition of superior genotypes more accurate. Therefore, the objective of the work was to verify the classification performance of soybean genotypes regarding secondary macronutrients by ML algorithms and different inputs. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, municipality of Chapadão do Sul, Brazil. Soybean was sown in the 2019/20 crop season, with the planting of 103 F2 soybean populations. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with two replications. At 60 days after crop emergence (DAE), spectral images were collected with a Sensifly eBee RTK fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), with autonomous takeoff control, flight plan, and landing. At the reproductive stage (R1), three leaves were collected per plant to determine the macronutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) levels. The data obtained from the spectral information and the nutritional values of the genotypes in relation to Ca, Mg, and S were subjected to a Pearson correlation analysis; a PC analysis was carried out with a k-means algorithm to divide the genotypes into clusters. The clusters were taken as output variables, while the spectral data were used as input variables for the classification models in the machine learning analyses. The configurations tested in the models were spectral bands (SBs), vegetation indices (VIs), and a combination of both. The combination of machine learning algorithms with spectral data can provide important biological information about soybean plants. The classification of soybean genotypes according to calcium, magnesium, and sulfur content can maximize time, effort, and labor in field evaluations in genetic improvement programs. Therefore, the use of spectral bands as input data in random forest algorithms makes the process of classifying soybean genotypes in terms of secondary macronutrients efficient and important for researchers in the field.
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Biochar Type on the Growth and Harvest Index of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
by
Ángel Cedeño, Veris Saldarriaga, Galo Cedeño, Geoconda López and José Mendoza
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1568-1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020089 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
This study examined using peanut shells, rice husks, and cocoa husks as soil conditioners to boost yields in Allium cepa var. Alvara onions. Three types of biochar and four application rates (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%) were compared to a control with no
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This study examined using peanut shells, rice husks, and cocoa husks as soil conditioners to boost yields in Allium cepa var. Alvara onions. Three types of biochar and four application rates (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%) were compared to a control with no biochar. The biochars had different nutrient makeups, with cocoa husk biochar (CHB) containing the most essential elements. While overall plant growth (height, leaves, and roots) was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by any biochar type compared to the control, some plant parts responded differently. CHB (5%) and peanut husk biochar (PHB) (1%) yielded the tallest onion plants (71 and 65 cm), while 1% rice and cocoa biochar resulted in the shortest (below 42 cm). PHB (3% and 5%) produced the longest roots (9 cm), while 1.5% rice husk biochar (RHB) had the shortest. Biochar application had no significant effect on leaf count. However, specific application rates of RHB and PHB increased the harvest index (HI), indicating more efficient yield allocation. HI values > 0.85 were obtained with specific biochar rates (e.g., 1.0–1.5% PHB, 1.5–5% RHB, or 5.0% CHB).
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Open AccessArticle
Cost Comparison for Emerging Technologies to Haul Round Bales for the Biorefinery Industry
by
John S. Cundiff, Robert D. Grisso and Erin G. Webb
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1549-1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020088 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Between 20 and 30% of the feedstock delivered cost is the highway hauling. In order to achieve maximum truck productivity, and thus minimize hauling cost, the hauling technology needs to provide for rapid loading and unloading. Three prototype technologies have been proposed to
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Between 20 and 30% of the feedstock delivered cost is the highway hauling. In order to achieve maximum truck productivity, and thus minimize hauling cost, the hauling technology needs to provide for rapid loading and unloading. Three prototype technologies have been proposed to address the hauling issue. The first was developed by Stinger to secure a load of large rectangular bales, and it is identified as the Advanced Load Securing System (ALSS). For this study, the ALSS technology is applied on two trailers hooked in tandem (ALSS-2) loaded with 20 bales each. The second technology (Cable), is a cable system for securing a load of bales (round or rectangular) on a standard flatbed trailer. With the third technology (Rack), bales are loaded into a 20-bale rack at an SSL, and this rack is unloaded as a unit at the biorefinery. Bales remain in the rack until processed, thus avoiding single-bale handling at the receiving facility. A cost comparison, which begins with bales in single-layer ambient storage in SSLs and ends with bales in single file on a conveyor into the biorefinery, was done for the three hauling technologies paired with three load-out technologies. Cost for the nine options ranged from 48.56 USD/Mg (11 load-outs, Cable hauling) to 34.90 USD/Mg (8 loads-outs, ALSS-2 hauling). The most significant cost issue was the reduction in truck cost; 25.54 USD/Mg (20 trucks, Cable) and 15.15 USD/Mg (10 trucks, Rack).
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery)
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Open AccessArticle
A CFD Methodology for the Modelling of Animal Thermal Welfare in Hybrid Ventilated Livestock Buildings
by
Dario Colombari, Francesco Masoero and Augusto Della Torre
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1525-1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020087 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) may aid the design of barn ventilation systems by simulating indoor cattle thermal welfare. In the literature, CFD models of mechanically and naturally ventilated barns are proposed separately. Hybrid ventilation relies on cross effects between air change mechanisms that
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Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) may aid the design of barn ventilation systems by simulating indoor cattle thermal welfare. In the literature, CFD models of mechanically and naturally ventilated barns are proposed separately. Hybrid ventilation relies on cross effects between air change mechanisms that cannot be studied using existing models. The objective of this study was to develop a CFD methodology for modelling animal thermal comfort in hybrid ventilated barns. To check the capability of CFD as a design evaluation tool, a real case study (with exhaust blowers) and an alternative roof layout (with ridge gaps) were simulated in summer and winter weather. Typical phenomena of natural and mechanical ventilation were considered: buoyancy, solar radiation, and wind together with high-speed fans and exhaust blowers. Cattle thermal load was determined from a daily animal energy balance, and the assessment of thermal welfare was performed using thermohygrometric indexes. Results highlight that the current ventilation layout ensures adequate thermal welfare on average, despite large nonuniformity between stalls. The predicted intensity of heat stress was successfully compared with experimental measurements of heavy breathing duration. Results show strong interactions between natural and mechanical ventilation, underlining the need for an integrated simulation methodology.
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(This article belongs to the Section Livestock Farming Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Plant Growth Regulator from the Essential Oil of Syzygium aromaticum L. for Inhibition of Secondary Growth of Garlic Cultivated under Tropical Conditions
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Vinícius Guimarães Nasser, Willian Rodrigues Macedo, Frederico Garcia Pinto, Junio Henrique da Silva, Marcelo Coelho Sekita and Geraldo Humberto Silva
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1511-1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020086 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Garlic cultivation in tropical regions, such as the Brazilian Cerrado, faces the problem of secondary growth in the field induced by climatic conditions, which affects bulb quality and value. Clove essential oil (CEO) contains high levels of eugenol, which has the potential as
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Garlic cultivation in tropical regions, such as the Brazilian Cerrado, faces the problem of secondary growth in the field induced by climatic conditions, which affects bulb quality and value. Clove essential oil (CEO) contains high levels of eugenol, which has the potential as an eco-friendly plant growth retardant (PGR) capable of reducing or inhibiting the secondary growth of bulbs in garlic cultivation. In this study, field experiments were carried out in two consecutive years (winter 2021 and 2022), spraying garlic plants with different concentrations of emulsion of CEO (0.0, 0.2, and 0.4%) in the differentiation phase; for comparison, the effects of water deficit, a prevalent agricultural technique in the region, were also evaluated. At a dose of 0.4%, the CEO reduced the prevalence of secondary growth and split bulbs without affecting yield. The mode of action of PGR was investigated by analyzing photosynthetic, enzymatic, and metabolomic parameters. The plants reduced amylolytic activity, and the photosynthetic parameters, after 7 days, were restored in both treatments. The analysis of the metabolomic profile of garlic leaves revealed changes in the pathways associated with the biosynthesis of fatty acids, wax, cutin, and suberin in plants treated with CEO, indicating possible damage to the surface coating of the leaf.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends and Advances in Agricultural Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Non-Herbivore-Induced Plant Organic Volatiles of Tomato Cultivars and Their Effect on Pest Biological Control
by
Tomas Cabello, Manuel Gamez, Juan Ramón Gallego, Inmaculada Lopez, Carolina Sanchez and Jozsef Garay
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1497-1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020085 - 29 May 2024
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Herbivore-induced plant organic volatiles (HIPVs) have recently been studied to improve biological pest control. In contrast, the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not induced by herbivory (non-HIPVs) have received less attention. The latter are essential in the first stages of
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Herbivore-induced plant organic volatiles (HIPVs) have recently been studied to improve biological pest control. In contrast, the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not induced by herbivory (non-HIPVs) have received less attention. The latter are essential in the first stages of crop colonization by entomophagous insects (predators and parasitoids) used in biological pest control programs. Furthermore, the effects on entomophagous insects of different cultivars of a cultivated botanical species have not been studied. The aim of this work was to study the different non-HIPVs found in 10 tomato cultivars used in tomato greenhouses on two entomophages: the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) and the zoo-phytophagous predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera, Miridae). The results indicate that although there is considerable quantitative and qualitative variation in the emission of VOCs in the 10 tomato cultivars analysed, this variability made it difficult to determine the influence of the volatiles on the attraction of the predatory species N. tenuis, with only one cultivar (Rebelion) exhibiting a significantly higher attractiveness than the rest of the cultivars. For the parasitoid T. achaeae, these same volatiles had a significant effect (in part) on parasitoid behaviour. However, this attraction was not reflected in the discriminant analysis, at least for the volatiles analysed. The analysis showed four groups of well-differentiated cultivars, according to the non-HIPV composition, and this bore no relation to the levels of attractiveness registered in the different cultivars, with the exception again of the Rebelion cultivar, which seems not to be very attractive for the parasitoid and its parasitism activity. The implications of non-herbivore-induced (non-HPV) VOCs in the biological control of greenhouse pest species are described and discussed.
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Open AccessReview
Advancing Livestock Technology: Intelligent Systemization for Enhanced Productivity, Welfare, and Sustainability
by
Petru Alexandru Vlaicu, Mihail Alexandru Gras, Arabela Elena Untea, Nicoleta Aurelia Lefter and Mircea Catalin Rotar
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1479-1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020084 - 28 May 2024
Abstract
The livestock industry is undergoing significant transformation with the integration of intelligent technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, welfare, and sustainability. This review explores the latest advancements in intelligent systemization (IS), including real-time monitoring, machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), and
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The livestock industry is undergoing significant transformation with the integration of intelligent technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, welfare, and sustainability. This review explores the latest advancements in intelligent systemization (IS), including real-time monitoring, machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), and their impacts on livestock farming. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of how these technologies can address industry challenges by improving animal health, optimizing resource use, and promoting sustainable practices. The methods involve an extensive review of the current literature and case studies on intelligent monitoring, data analytics, automation in feeding and climate control, and renewable energy integration. The results indicate that IS enhances livestock well-being through real-time health monitoring and early disease detection, optimizes feeding efficiency, and reduces operational costs through automation. Furthermore, these technologies contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing the ecological footprint of livestock farming. This study highlights the transformative potential of intelligent technologies in creating a more efficient, humane, and sustainable livestock industry.
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(This article belongs to the Section Livestock Farming Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Theoretical Substantiation of the Dependence of Spring Deformation of an Improved Opener
by
Amangeldy Sarsenov, Zhanna Kubasheva, Adil Ibrayev and Adilet Sugirbay
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1450-1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020083 - 24 May 2024
Abstract
The article presents factors influencing the germination and development of plants after seeding with disk seeders. Schemes of improved two-disk seeders are proposed, forces acting on the improved seeder during operation, determination of the maximum distance between the seeder disks at the
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The article presents factors influencing the germination and development of plants after seeding with disk seeders. Schemes of improved two-disk seeders are proposed, forces acting on the improved seeder during operation, determination of the maximum distance between the seeder disks at the field surface level, and calculation schemes for determining the draft resistance of the serial and improved seeders, the area of the flat disk segment of the seeder, determination of the deformer, and tailstock area of the pressing plate. During the theoretical study of the seeding process, the following parameters and observations were obtained: analytical dependencies of soil density created by the pressing plate; geometric parameters of the pressing plate with a curvature radius r = 52…57 mm, plate section thickness of 2.5 mm; installation of the pressing plate insignificantly increases the draft resistance of the seeder; and the depth of the seeder’s travel has the greatest influence on spring deformation. Experimental studies reveal that the stiffness of the pressing plate is 7500…7600 N/m, ensuring an optimal furrow bottom density of 1.1–1.3 g/cm3; in the range of seed embedding depth of 0.05…0.07 m, 89% of the total number of seeds are placed compared to 76% of seeds embedded by the serial seeder.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery)
Open AccessTechnical Note
Technological Upgrade of a Vicon RS-EDW Spreader: Development of a Microcontroller for Variable Rate Application
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João Serrano, Alexandre Amaral, Shakib Shahidian, José Marques da Silva, Francisco J. Moral and Carlos Escribano
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1436-1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020082 - 22 May 2024
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Over the last two decades, a considerable amount of equipment has been acquired (spreaders, seeders, sprayers, among others) to respond to the challenges of the precision agriculture (PA) concept. Most of this equipment has been purchased at a high cost. However, many of
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Over the last two decades, a considerable amount of equipment has been acquired (spreaders, seeders, sprayers, among others) to respond to the challenges of the precision agriculture (PA) concept. Most of this equipment has been purchased at a high cost. However, many of them, despite still being functional and equipped with sensors, actuators, and electronic processing units capable of adjusting to variations in speed, have become obsolete in terms of communication and incompatible with new monitoring and control systems based on the “Isobus” protocol. This work aims to present a solution for updating the control system (“Ferticontrol”) of a “Vicon RS-EDW” spreader with variable rate application (VRA), making it compatible with the “InCommand” system from “Ag Leader”. The solution includes serial protocol mediation using low-cost tools such as “Arduino” and “Raspberry Pi” microcontrollers and open-source software. The development shows that it is possible to implement a solution that is accessible to farmers in general. It also provides a niche business opportunity for young researchers to set up small technology-based enterprises associated with universities and research centers. These partnerships guarantee permanent innovation and represent a decisive step towards modern, technological, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.
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Open AccessArticle
Machine Learning-Based Control of Autonomous Vehicles for Solar Panel Cleaning Systems in Agricultural Solar Farms
by
Farima Hajiahmadi, Mohammad Jafari and Mahmut Reyhanoglu
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1417-1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020081 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a machine learning (ML)-based approach for the intelligent control of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) utilized in solar panel cleaning systems, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from uncertainties, disturbances, and dynamic environments. Solar panels, predominantly situated in dedicated lands for solar energy
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This paper presents a machine learning (ML)-based approach for the intelligent control of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) utilized in solar panel cleaning systems, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from uncertainties, disturbances, and dynamic environments. Solar panels, predominantly situated in dedicated lands for solar energy production (e.g., agricultural solar farms), are susceptible to dust and debris accumulation, leading to diminished energy absorption. Instead of labor-intensive manual cleaning, robotic cleaners offer a viable solution. AVs equipped to transport and precisely position these cleaning robots are indispensable for the efficient navigation among solar panel arrays. However, environmental obstacles (e.g., rough terrain), variations in solar panel installation (e.g., height disparities, different angles), and uncertainties (e.g., AV and environmental modeling) may degrade the performance of traditional controllers. In this study, a biologically inspired method based on Brain Emotional Learning (BEL) is developed to tackle the aforementioned challenges. The developed controller is implemented numerically using MATLAB-SIMULINK. The paper concludes with a comparative analysis of the AVs’ performance using both PID and developed controllers across various scenarios, highlighting the efficacy and advantages of the intelligent control approach for AVs deployed in solar panel cleaning systems within agricultural solar farms. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the ML-based controller, showcasing significant improvements over the PID controller.
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(This article belongs to the Section Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Health and Thermal Comfort of Dairy Cattle in Compost-Bedded Pack Barns and Other Types of Housing: A Comparative Systematic Review
by
Carlos Eduardo Alves Oliveira, Ilda de Fátima Ferreira Tinôco, Fernanda Campos de Sousa, Fernando da Costa Baêta, Frederico Márcio Côrrea Vieira and Matteo Barbari
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1395-1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020080 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose
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This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose Housing (LH) systems. Searches for peer-reviewed experimental articles in English were performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Forty-three non-duplicated scientific articles were obtained and subjected to a four-stage evaluation process, according to the PRISMA methodology and predefined eligibility criteria. This process resulted in the selection of 13 articles for inclusion. Regarding animal health, the results provide evidence that the incidence of problems such as lameness, limb injuries, and reproductive disorders is lower in CBP systems. However, if bedding management is not effective in ensuring the provision of dry and comfortable surfaces, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC) and prevalence of mastitis incidence (PMI) may occur. For thermal comfort, it was found that the CBP system exhibited higher temperatures during summer and lower temperatures during winter when compared to FS with cross-ventilation in association with evaporative cooling. However, no differences were observed in terms of thermal comfort in spring and autumn. As this is a recent research area, caution should be exercised when extrapolating the results, considering the specificities of each cited study.
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(This article belongs to the Section Livestock Farming Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Spray Angle and Uniformity of the Flat Fan Nozzle of Deep Loosener Fertilizer for Intra-Soil Application of Fertilizers
by
Sayakhat Nukeshev, Khozhakeldi Tanbayev, Mikalai Ramaniuk, Nurbol Kakabayev, Adilet Sugirbay and Aidar Moldazhanov
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1365-1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020079 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of predetermining the spray angle and uniformity of the flat fan sprayer with a semicircular impact surface for the intra-soil application of liquid mineral fertilizers. The jet impact on a round splash plate and radial atomization properties
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This paper deals with the problem of predetermining the spray angle and uniformity of the flat fan sprayer with a semicircular impact surface for the intra-soil application of liquid mineral fertilizers. The jet impact on a round splash plate and radial atomization properties are investigated theoretically, the formation features of the spray with an obtuse angle are studied in a geometrical way, and the design search of the nozzle shape and optimization calculations are performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and then verified experimentally. It was revealed that the spray rate and spray angle can be adjusted by changing the parameter s, and when the spray angle is within s = 0–0.2 mm, it forms spray angles with range of 140°–175°. The spraying angle, in turn, shows the potential length of the tillage knife in accordance with the undersoil cavity dimensions. A spray uniformity of up to 74% was achieved, which is sufficient for applied studies and for intra-soil application operations. According to the investigations and field experiments, it can be concluded that the designed nozzle is applicable for the intra-soil application of liquid mineral fertilizers. The use of flat fan nozzles that form a spraying band under the soil cavity and along the entire length of the tillage knife ensures a highly efficient mixing process, the liquid mineral fertilizers with treated soil (particles) positively contributing to plant maturation.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Emerging Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Technologies, and Applications—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Numerical Investigation on Flowability of Pulverized Biomass Using the Swelling Bed Model
by
Mateusz Przywara, Regina Przywara and Wojciech Zapała
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1349-1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020078 - 15 May 2024
Abstract
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Numerical investigations on the flowability of pulverized biomass are crucial for agriculture, aiding in optimizing biomass use, crop residue management, soil health improvement, and environmental impact mitigation. Rising interest in biomass and conversion processes necessitates deeper property understanding and technological process optimization. Moisture
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Numerical investigations on the flowability of pulverized biomass are crucial for agriculture, aiding in optimizing biomass use, crop residue management, soil health improvement, and environmental impact mitigation. Rising interest in biomass and conversion processes necessitates deeper property understanding and technological process optimization. Moisture content is a key parameter influencing biomass quality. In this paper, computer simulations of shear tests depending on the moisture content using the discrete element method were carried out and compared with experimental results. An experimental study and modeling for Jenike’s direct shearing apparatus was carried out. A swelling bed model was proposed to account for the effect of moisture. The swelling bed model assumed an increase in biomass grain vorticity proportional to the moisture content. The model was solved using the discrete element method (DEM). The model considers the effect of moisture on the values of Young’s and Kirchoff’s moduli for biomass grains. The model assumed that moisture is not present in surface form, the total amount of moisture is absorbed into the interior of the material grains, and the volume of a single grain increases linearly with an increase in the volume of the absorbed moisture. The tested materials were pulverized sunflower husks, apple pomace, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), meat and bone meal (MBM), and sawdust. Samples with moisture contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were tested. The best agreement of the model with the experimental data was observed for the most absorbent materials in which moisture was not present in surface form, such as apple pomace, DDGS, and sawdust. Research data are important for the proper design of biomass storage, transportation equipment, and utilization as feedstock for bioenergy production or soil enrichment.
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