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Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in...
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Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2024 | Viewed by 4845

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mustafa Ucgul

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Interests: discrete element method (DEM); agricultural machinery design; tillage; soil mechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Chung-Liang Chang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung County 91201, Taiwan
Interests: artificial intelligence; mechatronics; internet of things; edge computing; signal processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In modern societies, an ample food supply remains a critical challenge. Projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggest a staggering 70% increase in the global food demand by 2050. To meet this demand, it is crucial to improve agricultural machinery for sustainable farming, which serves as a cornerstone via the enabling of large-scale crop cultivation, which is essential for feeding our growing population. However, the efficiency and productivity of broadacre farming both heavily depend on the utilized machinery systems. Different mechanical systems are used in various types of cropping systems, including monoculture, multicropping, contour cropping, strip cropping, shifting cultivation, and intercropping. There is an urgent need for innovative and common mechanical systems to meet the growing global demands. The rising costs of energy, fertilizers, chemicals, and labor only add to the urgency, thus compelling farmers and the agricultural industry to seek more cost-effective solutions. These solutions must enhance production efficiency, while ensuring profitability and affordability for consumers. Moreover, the imperative of environmental sustainability urges the adoption of novel agricultural techniques that safeguard soil health and minimize ecological impact.

With these challenges and opportunities in mind, we are excited to announce this Special Issue, aimed at showcasing the groundbreaking research in the designs and applications of modern agricultural machinery systems. We welcome original contributions and comprehensive reviews from various research fields. These themes encompass a range of topics which are crucial for advancing agricultural production, including tillage, seeding, fertilization, harvesting, tractor technology, and control and automation systems.

Themes and Topics:

  • Innovative tillage and seeding technologies
  • Advances in fertilization methods and equipment
  • Cutting-edge harvesting technologies
  • Modern tractor technologies and their applications
  • Control and automation systems in agriculture
  • Sustainable agricultural machinery solutions
  • Precision agriculture and smart farming technologies

We look forward to your insightful contributions.

Dr. Mustafa Ucgul
Prof. Dr. Chung-Liang Chang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • farm equipment
  • mechanized farming
  • precision agriculture

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 9035 KiB  
Article
Design and Implementation of an AI-Based Robotic Arm for Strawberry Harvesting
by Chung-Liang Chang and Cheng-Chieh Huang
Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14112057 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 519
Abstract
This study presents the design and implementation of a wire-driven, multi-joint robotic arm equipped with a cutting and gripping mechanism for harvesting delicate strawberries, with the goal of reducing labor and costs. The arm is mounted on a lifting mechanism and linked to [...] Read more.
This study presents the design and implementation of a wire-driven, multi-joint robotic arm equipped with a cutting and gripping mechanism for harvesting delicate strawberries, with the goal of reducing labor and costs. The arm is mounted on a lifting mechanism and linked to a laterally movable module, which is affixed to the tube cultivation shelf. The trained deep learning model can instantly detect strawberries, identify optimal picking points, and estimate the contour area of fruit while the mobile platform is in motion. A two-stage fuzzy logic control (2s-FLC) method is employed to adjust the length of the arm and bending angle, enabling the end of the arm to approach the fruit picking position. The experimental results indicate a 90% accuracy in fruit detection, an 82% success rate in harvesting, and an average picking time of 6.5 s per strawberry, reduced to 5 s without arm recovery time. The performance of the proposed system in harvesting strawberries of different sizes under varying lighting conditions is also statistically analyzed and evaluated in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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20 pages, 6442 KiB  
Article
Development of a Prediction Model for Specific Fuel Consumption in Rotary Tillage Based on Actual Operation
by Seung-Jun Kim, Moon-Kyeong Jang, Seok-Joon Hwang, Won Suk Lee and Ju-Seok Nam
Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111993 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Tractor fuel consumption has typically been predicted using indoor test results under specific conditions. This study analyzes the factors affecting fuel consumption during rotary tillage in actual fields and develops a prediction model. The test field was divided into sections using a grid [...] Read more.
Tractor fuel consumption has typically been predicted using indoor test results under specific conditions. This study analyzes the factors affecting fuel consumption during rotary tillage in actual fields and develops a prediction model. The test field was divided into sections using a grid method, and rotary tillage operations were performed to measure various parameters, including soil strength, tractor’s transmission and PTO gear stages, tillage pitch, travel speed, engine and PTO shaft torque and speed, and fuel consumption. Pearson correlation identified variables affecting specific fuel consumption, and regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model. The model’s accuracy was analyzed using the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE), and it was compared with the ASABE’s fuel consumption prediction model. The test results showed that higher transmission and PTO gear stages, and tillage pitch decreased specific fuel consumption, while soil strength had no significant effect. Thus, operating at higher gear and PTO stages within suitable conditions enhances energy efficiency in rotary tillage. Statistical analysis showed that specific fuel consumption significantly correlated with tractor travel speed, PTO shaft power, and PTO shaft speed. The prediction model, including these variables, had the highest accuracy with R2 of 0.91 and RMSE of 0.011 L/kW·h. The developed prediction model showed significantly improved accuracy compared to the ASABE model, indicating that it can predict specific fuel consumption based on key operational variables in actual rotary tillage operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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19 pages, 9086 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Simulation Model of Miniature Tracked Forestry Tractor for Overturning and Rollover Safety Evaluation
by Yun-Jeong Yang, Moon-Kyeong Jang and Ju-Seok Nam
Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111991 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 372
Abstract
This study proposes a method to construct a dynamic simulation model to implement the lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of an actual tractor. Based on theoretical analysis, factors affecting these characteristics are identified, which include tractor weight, track width, wheelbase, location of [...] Read more.
This study proposes a method to construct a dynamic simulation model to implement the lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of an actual tractor. Based on theoretical analysis, factors affecting these characteristics are identified, which include tractor weight, track width, wheelbase, location of mass center, weight distribution, heights of front and rear axles, and geometric shapes. The location of the mass center of the actual tractor is measured based on the standard test procedure set by the International Organization for Standardization, and the remaining influencing factors are derived through measurements. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the tractor is constructed to reflect all these factors. Additionally, a simulation model utilizing this 3D model is developed using a commercial dynamic simulation software program. The ability of the model to simulate the overturning and rollover characteristics of the actual tractor is verified by comparing the static sidelong falling angle and minimum turning radius with those of the actual tractor. The errors between the characteristics of the actual tractor and those of the 3D model and dynamic simulations are shown to be less than 5%, thus indicating that the proposed method can effectively simulate the overturning and rollover characteristics of the actual tractor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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16 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Varying Compaction Levels on Soil Dynamic Properties and the Growth of Canola (Brassica napus L.)
by Ernest Owusu-Sekyere and Ying Chen
Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1976; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111976 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 499
Abstract
Extremely low field emergence rates for canola are primarily attributed to soil compaction from field traffic during and after planting. This study aimed to determine the critical compaction level for canola emergence across different soil types. A laboratory experiment was conducted using sandy [...] Read more.
Extremely low field emergence rates for canola are primarily attributed to soil compaction from field traffic during and after planting. This study aimed to determine the critical compaction level for canola emergence across different soil types. A laboratory experiment was conducted using sandy loam, silt clay, and clay soils, compacted to five levels (zero to four) using Proctor hammer drops after sowing canola (Brassica napus L.). The lab results were validated through two years of field experiments in sandy loam, applying four compaction levels (zero to three) using a tractor. Soil properties (bulk density and surface resistance) and canola growth parameters (plant emergence rate, count, height, and above-ground biomass) were measured. Zero compaction resulted in lower bulk density and surface resistance across all soil types. Laboratory results showed maximum emergence rates of 95% for sandy loam, 100% for silt clay, and 60% for clay, while field emergence rates were 63% and 87.59% in the first and second years, respectively, both at zero compaction. Recommendations include light or no compaction for sandy loam, and zero compaction for silt clay, while clay soil did not achieve the 80% emergence target at any compaction level. These results can assist agricultural producers in optimizing their seeding equipment setup and managing field traffic for canola production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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14 pages, 2043 KiB  
Article
Reducing Grain Damage in Moist Corn Threshing via Corncob Division
by Gang Wang, Chengqian Jin, Min Zhang, Chongyou Wu, Qing Tang and Yao Yang
Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091648 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 497
Abstract
For the prompt planting of subsequent crops, most of China’s corn harvest must occur before full maturity, with a grain moisture content above 25%. Harvesting moist corn presents challenges due to significant grain damage during threshing. We conducted a high-speed photography observation test [...] Read more.
For the prompt planting of subsequent crops, most of China’s corn harvest must occur before full maturity, with a grain moisture content above 25%. Harvesting moist corn presents challenges due to significant grain damage during threshing. We conducted a high-speed photography observation test of moist corn threshing. It demonstrated that corn ears, when passing through the threshing cylinder, often break into pieces. Grains on divided corncobs can be threshed more easily and earlier than those on undivided ones, suggesting that pre-dividing corn ears reduces grain damage. An experiment using the Lianchuang 825 variety examined the effect of moisture content and the divided rate of corncobs (DRC) on grain damage. The results showed that as moisture content increased from 25% to 37%, grain damage to undivided ears increased from 3.75% to 37.71%. Dividing corn ears before threshing significantly reduced damage, with an eight-piece division reducing damage by approximately 70% across all moisture levels. Verification with the Jinyu 1233 variety confirmed that a higher DRC consistently reduced damage. This study provides a new approach to reducing damage in moist corn threshing and aids in the development of low-damage threshing devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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13 pages, 9651 KiB  
Article
Design and Fatigue Life Analysis of the Rope-Clamping Drive Mechanism in a Knotter
by Jianjun Yin, Zefu Chen, Shiyu Lv, Han Wu, Yansu Gao and Luning Wu
Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081254 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 754
Abstract
A knotter is a core component for the automatic bundling of agricultural materials, and a knotter with double-fluted discs is one type. Currently, the research on knotters with double-fluted discs has gradually transitioned from structural design to reliability optimization. To address rope-clamping failures [...] Read more.
A knotter is a core component for the automatic bundling of agricultural materials, and a knotter with double-fluted discs is one type. Currently, the research on knotters with double-fluted discs has gradually transitioned from structural design to reliability optimization. To address rope-clamping failures in the rope-clamping drive mechanisms in knotters, the specific failure position of the rope-clamping mechanism and the failure causes were analyzed first. The redesign of the rope-clamping drive mechanism in knotters with double synclastic fluted discs was proposed, including structure optimization and 3D modeling using the GearTrax/KISSsoft and SolidWorks software. A virtual prototype model of a knotter with a flexible rope was established by combining ANSYS with the ADAMS software. A rigid–flexible coupling dynamic simulation of the knotter was carried out using ADAMS, and the simulation results were used as the data input for the ANSYS nCode DesignLife module for the fatigue life simulation of the weak parts (the worm shaft) of the knotter. The operation test results for the rope-clamping drive mechanism indicate that the redesigned rope-clamping drive mechanism is reliable in transmission, with a rope-clamping success rate of 100%. The actual operation times for the worm shaft exceed the minimum fatigue life obtained through joint simulation. The applied joint simulation method has high simulation accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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25 pages, 8502 KiB  
Article
Experimental Structural Safety Analysis of Front-End Loader of Agricultural Tractor
by Jeong-Hun Kim, Dong-Hyeon Gim and Ju-Seok Nam
Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060947 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 935
Abstract
The agricultural front-end loader is an implement attached to the front of tractors to transport various agricultural materials, including soil. Since they are subjected to various loads due to the working environment, their safety analysis in consideration of actual working conditions is required. [...] Read more.
The agricultural front-end loader is an implement attached to the front of tractors to transport various agricultural materials, including soil. Since they are subjected to various loads due to the working environment, their safety analysis in consideration of actual working conditions is required. However, there are no official standardized test codes to consider various actual working environments currently. In this study, the structural safety of a front-end loader for static and fatigue failures was evaluated using new test code reflecting actual working environments. Thirty-four measurement locations were determined as the stress concentration spots of each component of the front-end loader derived through multibody dynamic simulation. The total testing time was set to 1 h, and the test time for each task was determined considering the duty percentage of the actual loader work. The measurement results showed that the maximum stress that exceeds the material’s yield strength occurred at two locations of the mount, which is the connection to the tractor body, resulting in static yielding. For tasks, the pulling and dumping exhibited the highest stress. The task that had the largest impact on fatigue damage was the dumping. The static safety factor was found to be over 1.93 and the fatigue life met the required lifespan at all measurement locations except for those exhibiting static yielding. Therefore, the most vulnerable part of the front-end loader is the mount, and it is necessary to secure the overall structural integrity by robust design for the mount. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Design and Application of Modern Agricultural Machinery Systems in Cropping Systems)
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