Agriculture

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5 pages, 147 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery

by Yongjin Cho and Ju-Seok Nam

Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091661 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1262

Abstract

The mechanization of agricultural work has contributed significantly to the improvement of agricultural productivity and reduced production costs [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

11 pages, 5119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Modified Method for Measuring the Actual Draft Force Using a Tractor-Attached Dynamometer

by Hyo-Geol Kim, Jin-Woong Lee, Su-Chul Kim, Jooseon Oh and Sung-Bo Shim

Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040544 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1205

Abstract

In this study, crank-locker kinematic equations were used to analyze the three-point hitch behavior when the dynamometer was connected to the work machine. The dynamometer was statically tested with a hydraulic actuator, and the accuracy of the three-way force and the moment was [...] Read more.

In this study, crank-locker kinematic equations were used to analyze the three-point hitch behavior when the dynamometer was connected to the work machine. The dynamometer was statically tested with a hydraulic actuator, and the accuracy of the three-way force and the moment was confirmed to be 96–99%. The calibrated dynamometer was put to the test on a real farm field, and data were collected using a data acquisition system. Using the transport pitch correction equation, the collected data can be transformed into more realistic data. International standards were used to determine the point of connection between the tractor, dynamometer, and implement. The results of this study made it possible to accurately measure force and moment, which will have an important role in future agricultural technologies such as autonomous agricultural operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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17 pages, 4066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a Draft Force Prediction Model for Agricultural Tractors Based on the Discrete Element Method in Loam and Clay Loam

by Bo-Min Bae, Yeon-Soo Kim, Wan-Soo Kim, Yong-Joo Kim, Sang-Dae Lee and Taek-Jin Kim

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122205 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

In the field of agricultural machinery, various empirical field tests are conducted to measure design loads for the optimal design and implementation of tractors. However, conducting field tests is costly and time-consuming, with many constraints on weather and field soil conditions, and research [...] Read more.

In the field of agricultural machinery, various empirical field tests are conducted to measure design loads for the optimal design and implementation of tractors. However, conducting field tests is costly and time-consuming, with many constraints on weather and field soil conditions, and research utilizing simulations has been proposed as an alternative to overcome these shortcomings. The objective of this study is to develop a DEM-based draft force prediction model that reflects differences in soil properties. For this, soil property measurements were conducted in two fields (Field A in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, and Field B in Chuncheon, Republic of Korea). The measured properties were used as parameters for DEM-based particle modeling. For the interparticle contact model, the EEPA contact model was used to reflect the compressibility and stickiness of cohesive soils. To generate an environment similar to real soil, particle mass and surface energy were calibrated based on bulk density and shear torque. The soil property measurements showed that Field B had a higher shear strength and lower cone index and moisture content compared to Field A. The actual measured draft force was 19.47% higher in Field B than in Field A. In this study, this demonstrates the uncertainty in predicting draft force by correlating only one soil property and suggests the need for a comprehensive consideration of soil properties. The simulation results of the tillage operation demonstrated the accuracy of the predicted shedding force compared to the actual field experiment and the existing theoretical calculation method (ASABE D497.4). Compared to the measured draft force in the actual field test, the predictions were 86.75% accurate in Field A and 74.51% accurate in Field B, which is 84% more accurate in Field A and 37.32% more accurate in Field B than the theoretical calculation method. This result shows that load prediction should reflect the soil properties of the working environment, and is expected to be used as an indicator of soil–tool interaction for digital twin modeling processes in the research field of bio-industrial machinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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Figure 1
Location of test fields and uniformed grid sampling methods. Full article ">Figure 2
Modeling Procedures for Virtual Soil Environments. Full article ">Figure 3
Configuration of field load measurement system. Full article ">Figure 4
Results of cone penetration test. Full article ">Figure 5
Calibration of shear torque using vane shear test: (a) field experiments and (b) EDEM simulation. Full article ">Figure 6
Virtual large soil bed made based on measured soil properties by soil layer. Full article ">Figure 7
Comparison of draft force between actual field test and DEM simulation at 16.5 cm tillage depth. (a) Field A and (b) Field B. Full article ">Figure 8
Comparison of draft force between Field A and Field B. Full article ">

16 pages, 3663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Soil Physical Properties on the Load Factor for Agricultural Tractors in Different Paddy Fields

by Yi-Seo Min, Yeon-Soo Kim, Ryu-Gap Lim, Taek-Jin Kim, Yong-Joo Kim and Wan-Soo Kim

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112073 - 29 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1656

Abstract

The load factor (LF) of a tractor represents the ratio of actual engine power and rated engine power, and is an important indicator directly used in calculating national air pollutant emissions. Currently, in the Republic of Korea, a fixed value of 0.48 is [...] Read more.

The load factor (LF) of a tractor represents the ratio of actual engine power and rated engine power, and is an important indicator directly used in calculating national air pollutant emissions. Currently, in the Republic of Korea, a fixed value of 0.48 is used for the LF regardless of the working conditions, making it difficult to establish a reliable national air pollutant inventory. Since tractors perform work under soil conditions, soil physical properties directly affect the tractor LF. Therefore, it is expected that more accurate LF estimation will be possible by utilizing soil physical properties. This study was conducted to assess the impact of soil physical properties on the LF. Experimental data were collected in ten different soil conditions. Correlation analysis revealed that the LF exhibited strong correlations with SMC, soil texture, and CI, in that order. The coefficient of determination for the regression model developed using soil variables ranged from 0.678 to 0.926. The developed regression models generally showed higher accuracy when utilizing multiple soil variables, as compared to using a single soil variable. Therefore, an effective estimation of the LF through non-experimental methods can be achieved by measuring various soil properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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14 pages, 4085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fertilization Mapping Based on the Soil Properties of Paddy Fields in Korea

by Juwon Shin, Jinho Won, Seong-Min Kim, Dae-Cheol Kim and Yongjin Cho

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112049 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to construct a map of expected fertilization rates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) based on measurements of components in soil samples and to identify the spatial variabilities of four lots of a [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to construct a map of expected fertilization rates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) based on measurements of components in soil samples and to identify the spatial variabilities of four lots of a salt-affected paddy field in Korea. Four salt-affected paddy field lots in Korea were divided into 30 sectors for collecting soil samples. They were then analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (Av.P₂O₅) in accordance with international standards. Expected fertilization rates of N and P₂O₅ were developed as prescription standards for the application of fertilizer to paddy fields. They were derived using a model of the fertilization rates of N and P₂O₅. To determine the presence of spatial correlation and continuity in the given fields, a spherical variogram was used. Based on the spherical model with the application of a regular kriging interpolation, maps of the contents of TN and Av.P₂O₅ as well as the expected fertilization rates of N and P₂O₅ at each sector of

1 \times 1

m² were developed. The expected fertilization rate of N at each sector appeared in the range of min. 10.0 g to max. 25.7 g, while that of P₂O₅ appeared in the range of min. 0.68 g to max. 8.46 g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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Figure 1
Location of soil sampling point in Hwaseong–si, Gyeonggi–do, Republic of Korea. All fields were divided into 30 sections. Each number was a soil sampling number. Full article ">Figure 2
Sill, range, and nugget on variogram. Full article ">Figure 3
Expected N fertilization rate by section. All fields were divided into 30 sections. Each section size of field 1 to 4 was 11 × 9, 13 × 8, 13 × 9, and 13 × 9 m2, respectively. Full article ">Figure 4
Expected P2O5 fertilization rate by section. All fields were divided into 30 sections. Each section size of field 1 to 4 was 11 × 9, 13 × 8, 13 × 9, and 13 × 9 m2, respectively. Full article ">Figure 5
Variogram of N and P2O5 using spherical model. The blue and gray lines mean the spherical model and measured data, respectively. Full article ">Figure 6
Mapping of TN content in soil and estimated N fertilization rate. Each square color represents the appropriate N fertilization rate for a 1 m2 divided field. Full article ">Figure 7
Mapping of Av.P2O5 content in soil and estimated P2O5 fertilization rate. Each square color represents the appropriate P2O5 fertilization rate for a 1 m2 divided field. Full article ">

15 pages, 6639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of a Virtual Test Model of the Frame-Type ROPS for Agricultural Tractors Using FEA

by Ryu-Gap Lim, Wan-Soo Kim, Young-Woo Do, Md. Abu Ayub Siddique and Yong-Joo Kim

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13102004 - 15 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

In this study, a model of the frame-type ROPS (rollover protective structure) for an agricultural tractor was developed using FEA (finite-element analysis). Various boundary conditions were applied as input variables to replace the actual test of the ROPS with a virtual test. An [...] Read more.

In this study, a model of the frame-type ROPS (rollover protective structure) for an agricultural tractor was developed using FEA (finite-element analysis). Various boundary conditions were applied as input variables to replace the actual test of the ROPS with a virtual test. An optimization study was carried out based on the boundary conditions of the bolt, considering the ROPS part directly mounted on the tractor and the folding connection to the ROPS. The results of the virtual test were compared with those of the actual test, and the error was determined. The maximum error of the evaluation model was 7.0% for the force applied on the load and 9.6% for the corresponding ROPS deformation. All mounting bolts of the ROPS required modeling. In particular, we had to establish free boundary conditions for axial rotation to implement the folding connection. In addition, a simulation of the frame-type ROPS was conducted according to the mesh size. A convenient simulation time was obtained for a mesh size of 8~10 mm. Compared with the actual test, the accuracy was the highest with a mesh size of 6~8 mm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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20 pages, 7944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Throughput Plant Phenotyping System Using a Low-Cost Camera Network for Plant Factory

by Woo-Jae Cho and Myongkyoon Yang

Agriculture 2023, 13(10), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101874 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

Plant phenotyping has been widely studied as an effective and powerful tool for analyzing crop status and growth. However, the traditional phenotyping (i.e., manual) is time-consuming and laborious, and the various types of growing structures and limited room for systems hinder phenotyping on [...] Read more.

Plant phenotyping has been widely studied as an effective and powerful tool for analyzing crop status and growth. However, the traditional phenotyping (i.e., manual) is time-consuming and laborious, and the various types of growing structures and limited room for systems hinder phenotyping on a large and high-throughput scale. In this study, a low-cost high-throughput phenotyping system that can be flexibly applied to diverse structures of growing beds with reliable spatial–temporal continuities was developed. The phenotyping system was composed of a low-cost phenotype sensor network with an integrated Raspberry Pi board and camera module. With the distributed camera sensors, the system can provide crop imagery information over the entire growing bed in real time. Furthermore, the modularized image-processing architecture supports the investigation of several phenotypic indices. The feasibility of the system was evaluated for Batavia lettuce grown under different light periods in a container-type plant factory. For the growing lettuces under different light periods, crop characteristics such as fresh weight, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf number were manually measured and compared with the phenotypic indices from the system. From the results, the system showed varying phenotypic features of lettuce for the entire growing period. In addition, the varied growth curves according to the different positions and light conditions confirmed that the developed system has potential to achieve many plant phenotypic scenarios at low cost and with spatial versatility. As such, it serves as a valuable development tool for researchers and cultivators interested in phenotyping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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17 pages, 5556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Soil Particle Settlement Characteristics through Machine Vision Analysis Utilizing an RGB Camera

by Donggeun Kim, Jisu Song and Jaesung Park

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091674 - 24 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2332

Abstract

Soil particle size distribution is a crucial factor in determining soil properties and classifying soil types. Traditional methods, such as hydrometer tests, have limitations in terms of time required, labor, and operator dependency. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to quantify [...] Read more.

Soil particle size distribution is a crucial factor in determining soil properties and classifying soil types. Traditional methods, such as hydrometer tests, have limitations in terms of time required, labor, and operator dependency. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to quantify soil particle size analysis using machine vision analysis with an RGB camera. The method aims to overcome the limitations of traditional techniques by providing an efficient and automated analysis of fine-grained soils. It utilizes a digital camera to capture the settling properties of soil particles, eliminating the need for a hydrometer. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the machine vision-based approach in accurately determining soil particle size distribution. The comparison between the proposed method and traditional hydrometer tests reveals strong agreement, with an average deviation of only 2.3% in particle size measurements. This validates the reliability and accuracy of the machine vision-based approach. The proposed machine vision-based analysis offers a promising alternative to traditional techniques for assessing soil particle size distribution. The experimental results highlight its potential to revolutionize soil particle size analysis, providing precise, efficient, and cost-effective analysis for fine-grained soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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16 pages, 5823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Working Load Analysis of a 42 kW Class Agricultural Tractor According to Tillage Type and Gear Selection during Rotary Tillage Operation

by Yeon-Soo Kim, Bo-Min Bae, Wan-Soo Kim, Yong-Joo Kim, Sang-Dae Lee and Taek-Jin Kim

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081556 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2135

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tillage type (i.e., primary and secondary tillage) and gear selection (P1L2 to P1L4) on the working load of tractor–implement systems during rotary tillage. Soil properties change with depth, and differences in properties [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of tillage type (i.e., primary and secondary tillage) and gear selection (P1L2 to P1L4) on the working load of tractor–implement systems during rotary tillage. Soil properties change with depth, and differences in properties along the depth distribution, such as the location of formation of the hardpan layer, internal friction angle, and moisture content, affect the load of rotary tillage operations. Therefore, the physical properties of soil along the field depth distribution were measured to analyze the effect of tillage type and gear selection on workload in rotary tillage. In addition, a load measurement system equipped with PTO torque meter, axle torque meter, proximity sensor, and RTK-GPS were configured on the 42 kW agricultural tractor. The experimental results show that the combination of tillage type and gear selection has a wide-ranging effect on the tractor’s workload and performance when the rotavator operated at the same tilling depth. Overall working load was higher by up to 14% (engine) and 29.1% (PTO shaft) in primary tillage compared to secondary tillage when the gear selection was the same. When the tillage type is the same, it was analyzed that the overall average torque increased by up to 35.9% (engine) and 33.9% (PTO shaft) in P1L4 compared to P1L2 according to gear selection. Based on load analysis results, it was found that the effect of gear selection (Engine: 4–14%, PTO: 12.1–28.6%) on engine and PTO loads was higher than that of tillage type (Engine: 31.6–35.1%, PTO: 31.9–32.8%), and the power requirement tended to decrease in secondary tillage. Therefore, working load should be considered according to the soil environment and tillage type when designing agricultural machinery system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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16 pages, 4922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Calculations and Experimental Studies of Power Loss in Dual-Clutch Transmission of Agricultural Tractors

by Hyoung-Jong Ahn, Young-Jun Park, Su-Chul Kim and Chanho Choi

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061225 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

Recent carbon neutrality policies have led to active research in the agricultural tractor sector to replace internal combustion engines, making it imperative to minimize power losses to improve efficiency. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) have been employed in agricultural tractors primarily due to their short [...] Read more.

Recent carbon neutrality policies have led to active research in the agricultural tractor sector to replace internal combustion engines, making it imperative to minimize power losses to improve efficiency. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) have been employed in agricultural tractors primarily due to their short shift time and smooth shift feel. However, DCTs have a relatively large number of components and complex structures owing to spatial constraints, making it challenging to predict power losses. Therefore, to predict DCT power losses, this study defined oil churning by considering the structural characteristics and oil circulation and comparing and analyzing the theoretical calculation and test results of power losses at different oil levels. Power loss was calculated based on ISO standards and fluid viscosity theory, and tests were performed to verify. We calculated power losses based on the defined oil churning of a DCT in agricultural tractors and confirmed that their consistency in test results improved when reflecting the lubrication state, considering the structural features and oil circulation. In addition, the factors contributing to power loss under low- and high-speed conditions were analyzed by calculating the power loss for each component. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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17 pages, 5615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bucket Size Optimization for Metering Device in Garlic Planter Using Discrete Element Method

by Dongu Im, Ho-Seop Lee, Jae-Hyun Kim, Dong-Joo Moon, Tae-Ick Moon, Seung-Hwa Yu and Young-Jun Park

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061199 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

In this study, the discrete element method was used to optimize the bucket size for the metering device in a garlic planter for enhancing the productivity of garlic farming according to the garlic size. Statistical information concerning the actual shape of garlic cloves [...] Read more.

In this study, the discrete element method was used to optimize the bucket size for the metering device in a garlic planter for enhancing the productivity of garlic farming according to the garlic size. Statistical information concerning the actual shape of garlic cloves was incorporated, and the mechanical properties of garlic were determined using the bulk density, sliding test, and repose angle test for enhancing the fidelity of the simulation model. The optimal bucket size achieving the target plant rate of 97.5% was determined using the developed discrete element model for the three garlic size groups. The linear search method was used for optimization, and batch simulation was performed to validate the optimized results and confirm the performance index of the metering device. A Gaussian distribution based on statistical information accounted for the various garlic sizes in each group. Finally, a metering test verified the reliability of the optimization technique. The differences between the simulation and test results were within 10% for all performance indices, including missing plant rate, multi-plant rate, and planting rate, indicating the high reliability of the analysis model. Subsequently, the larger garlic groups (Groups 2 and 3) exhibited metering performance close to the target plant rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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11 pages, 1535 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Methodology for Assessing Tractor Traction Properties with Instability of Coupling Weight

by Anatoliy Lebedev, Mykhailo Shuliak, Stanislav Khalin, Sergei Lebedev, Katarzyna Szwedziak, Krzysztof Lejman, Gniewko Niedbała and Tomasz Łusiak

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050977 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to increase the efficiency of using the tractor hitch weight in traction mode by reducing the uneven distribution of vertical reactions between the wheels. This work is grounded on a methodology that involves summarizing and analyzing established [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study is to increase the efficiency of using the tractor hitch weight in traction mode by reducing the uneven distribution of vertical reactions between the wheels. This work is grounded on a methodology that involves summarizing and analyzing established scientific findings related to the theory of tractors operating in traction mode. The analytical method and comparative analysis were employed to establish a scientific problem, define research objectives, and achieve the goal. The key principles of probability theory were applied in developing the empirical models of the tractor. The main provisions of the methodology for evaluating the traction properties of the tractor with the instability of the coupling weight were formulated. The method of evaluating the vertical reactions on the wheels of the tractor is substantiated, which is based on the measurement of the vertical reaction on one of the four wheels. It was proven that tractors with a center of mass offset to the front or rear axles have the greatest probability of equal distribution of vertical reactions between the wheels of one axle, and tractors with a center of mass in the middle between the axles have the lowest probability. It is theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed that when the tractor performs plowing work with uneven distribution of loads on the sides, its operation with maximum traction efficiency is ensured by blocking the front and rear axle drivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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19 pages, 13355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Consumed Power and Safety of Two Types of Semi-Automatic Vegetable Transplanter: Cam and Four-Bar Link

by Sri Markumningsih, Seok-Joon Hwang, Jeong-Hun Kim, Moon-Kyeong Jang, Chang-Seop Shin and Ju-Seok Nam

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030588 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

The consumed power and safety of cam and four-bar-link semi-automatic vegetable transplanters were analyzed and compared according to the engine speed and planting distances. A measurement system was constructed to obtain the torque, rotational speed, and strain at the corresponding locations of both [...] Read more.

The consumed power and safety of cam and four-bar-link semi-automatic vegetable transplanters were analyzed and compared according to the engine speed and planting distances. A measurement system was constructed to obtain the torque, rotational speed, and strain at the corresponding locations of both transplanters. Field tests were conducted at three engine speeds and three planting distances for each type of transplanter. The torque and rotational speed data of the input shaft of the transplanting devices were used to calculate the power consumed during transplanting. The strain data were converted into stress values to calculate the static safety factor and fatigue life. The results show that the torque and consumed power of the cam transplanter were greater than those of the four-bar-link transplanter under similar operational conditions, owing to its rigid and heavier design. The consumed power increased as the engine speed increased for both types. The static safety factor and fatigue life exhibited different values depending on the measurement location with a sufficient safety margin. Although more skill is required in planting distance control owing to its manual adjustment, the four-bar-link type is more economical under similar operating conditions because of its smaller power requirement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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15 pages, 4804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effect of Tractor’s Tire Parameters on Soil Compaction Using Statistical and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Methods

by Gholamhossein Shahgholi, Abdolmajid Moinfar, Ali Khoramifar, Sprawka Maciej and Mariusz Szymanek

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020259 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2332

Abstract

Many factors contribute to soil compaction. One of these factors is the pressure applied by tires and tillage tools. The aim of this study was to study soil compaction under two sizes of tractor tire, considering the effect of tire pressure and traffic [...] Read more.

Many factors contribute to soil compaction. One of these factors is the pressure applied by tires and tillage tools. The aim of this study was to study soil compaction under two sizes of tractor tire, considering the effect of tire pressure and traffic on different depths of soil. Additionally, to predict soil density under the tire, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used. An ITM70 tractor equipped with a lister was used. Standard cylindrical cores were used and soil samples were taken at four depths of the soil inside the tire tracks. Tests were conducted based on a randomized complete-block design with three replications. We tested two types of narrow and normal tire using three inflation pressures, at traffic levels of 1, 3 and 5 passes and four depths of 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm. A grid partition structure and four types of membership function, namely triangular, trapezoid, Gaussian and General bell were used to model soil compaction. Analysis of variance showed that tire size was significant on soil density change, and also, the binary effect of tire size on depth and traffic were significant at 1%. The main effects of tire pressure, traffic and depth were significant on soil compaction at 1% level of significance for both tire types. The inputs of the ANFIS model included tire type, depth of soil, number of tire passes and tire inflation pressure. To evaluate the performance of the model, the relative error (ε) and the coefficient of explanation (R²) were used, which were 1.05 and 0.9949, respectively. It was found that the narrow tire was more effective on soil compaction such that the narrow tire significantly increased soil density in the surface and subsurface layers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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18 pages, 15171 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Development of Autofeeding Device Applicable to a Biodegradable Pot Tray

by Seok-Joon Hwang, Moon-Kyeong Jang and Ju-Seok Nam

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122097 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

In this study, a pot autofeeding device for a biodegradable pot tray was developed. The tensile strength and bending strength were measured to identify the physical properties of the biodegradable pot tray. As a result of the measurement, the tensile strength and bending [...] Read more.

In this study, a pot autofeeding device for a biodegradable pot tray was developed. The tensile strength and bending strength were measured to identify the physical properties of the biodegradable pot tray. As a result of the measurement, the tensile strength and bending strength of the biodegradable pot tray were 0.06 and 0.17 times smaller than those of the plastic pot tray. Therefore, a new type of pot tray extraction mechanism was designed, considering the physical properties, dimensions, and geometry of the biodegradable pot tray, and it was applied to the pot autofeeding device. The developed pot autofeeding device consists of a pot slot, pot-separating blades, pot holders, air cylinders, and a conveyor device. It can supply 240 pot trays per hour to the seeding process without deformation or damage to the biodegradable pot tray. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Mechanical Systems and Related Farming Machinery)

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