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AgriEngineering
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Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering
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Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering

A special issue of AgriEngineering (ISSN 2624-7402).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 5415

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Taras Hutsol

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanics and Groecosystems Engineering, Polissia National University, Staryi Blvd 7, 10008 Zhytomyr, Ukraine
Interests: engineering; renewable energy sources
Prof. Dr. Savelіі Kukharets

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Energy and Biotechnology Engineering, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentų Str. 11, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: agricultural engineering; biomass energy conversion; sustainable development of agroecosystems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce an upcoming Special Issue of Agroengineering, which will showcase the latest research in the agricultural engineering sector, particularly the sustainable development of agroecosystems. This Special Issue will explore the most important challenges faced by the agricultural sector and offer innovative solutions to promote environmentally friendly and efficient agricultural practices.

Potential topics include agricultural robotics and unmanned systems, and their key role in the sustainable development of agroecosystems, as well as the energy conversion of agricultural biomass and its role in promoting sustainable practices. The Special Issue will also highlight the mechanization and automation of livestock production, as well as the role of harvesting machinery and other agricultural equipment in promoting sustainable agriculture. Papers that provide extensive coverage of modern tillage implement designs are also welcome. Researchers will explore new approaches to improve soil management, reduce erosion and increase the overall productivity of agricultural implements, striking a balance between agricultural efficiency and environmental protection. In this Special Issue, we seek to demonstrate that adopting the latest technologies will allow producers to increase productivity without upsetting the delicate balance of agroecosystems.

Overall, the Special Issue will offer a comprehensive overview of advances in agricultural engineering and technology. By promoting green practices, increasing resource efficiency and introducing automation, these research articles will contribute to a vision of sustainable agricultural production that addresses food security and environmental concerns. This Special Issue will be a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers and stakeholders, inspiring them to work together to create a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Dr. Taras Hutsol
Prof. Dr. Savelіі Kukharets
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. AgriEngineering is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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

  • biofuel technologies
  • innovative technologies
  • agroecosystems
  • agricultural engineering
  • biomass
  • energy conversion
  • sustainable
  • process
  • economy

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1389 KiB  
Article
Novel Specifications Regarding Biogas Production from Agriengineering Activities in Romania
by Ioana-Ancuta Halmaciu, Ioana Ionel, Maria-Cristina Miutescu and Eugenia Grecu
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(4), 3602-3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6040205 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 925
Abstract
This study centers on examining the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and metal levels in various batches of manure and their potential impact on biogas production through anaerobic fermentation. A novel aspect of this research involves the utilization of nine distinct batches sourced exclusively from [...] Read more.
This study centers on examining the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and metal levels in various batches of manure and their potential impact on biogas production through anaerobic fermentation. A novel aspect of this research involves the utilization of nine distinct batches sourced exclusively from livestock manure found in Romanian farms, without mixing with other potential substrates. At present, the farms are not harvesting manure for energy, but they are keen to invest in biogas production in the future as a necessary step towards renewable energy in a circular economy and a bio-waste management model. As a general conclusion that is resulting, it is shown that both the C/N ratio and the content of heavy metals in animal manure must be known when dealing with the animal manure fermentation process, especially when aiming for biogas production. The C/N ratio in the analyzed samples ranges from 6.7 to 30.2. While the ideal ratio is often considered 20–30, good methane production can occur outside this range, as seen in Sample B (small pig farm), with a C/N ratio of 13.8, proving the highest methane output. This shows that the C/N ratio is important but not the only factor influencing biogas generation. The metal content in the manure samples is similar to other studies, with potassium (K) ranging from 1.64% to 8.96%. Calcium (Ca) and K are the main metals found, posing little concern. The variation in values is linked to feed recipes. Monitoring heavy metals is crucial not only for biogas production but also for the safe use of animal manure as fertilizer, as soil contamination limits must be continuously supervised. The results are also valuable for the management of waste used as fertilizer in agricultural fields in accordance with EU law. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering)
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16 pages, 2277 KiB  
Article
Use of Conyza canadensis L. Extracts as Biostimulant in Cyclamen persicum Mill.
by Eunice R. Batista, Andre May, Sergio O. Procópio, Marcia R. Assalin, Helio D. Quevedo, Nicole Binhardi and Sonia C. N. Queiroz
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2926-2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030168 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 932
Abstract
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.) is an ornamental plant that is highly susceptible to pathogens, requiring high amounts of phytosanitary products. Therefore, the development of more sustainable alternatives has been required. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of C. canadensis root [...] Read more.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.) is an ornamental plant that is highly susceptible to pathogens, requiring high amounts of phytosanitary products. Therefore, the development of more sustainable alternatives has been required. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of C. canadensis root extract (aqueous and with dichloromethane) applied via foliar or soil, in C. persicum, on gas exchange and the SPAD index and on the biomass of cyclamen. The aqueous extract treatment increased net CO2 assimilation, the transpiration rates, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. The water use efficiency values were reduced in the treatments with both extracts. The greatest increases in the SPAD index were provided by the aqueous extract. The cyclamens that received the aqueous extract applied in soil or the dichloromethane extract applied in leaves showed an increase in total biomass and number of leaves. To identify the compounds present in the extracts, CG-MS and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed. The positive effects obtained indicated a high biostimulant effect of C. Canadensis. Thus, the root extracts of C. Canadensis, particularly the aqueous extracts, have the potential to be used to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, promoting agroecological practices and contributing to sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering)
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16 pages, 5508 KiB  
Article
Sugarcane Water Productivity for Bioethanol, Sugar and Biomass under Deficit Irrigation
by Fernando da Silva Barbosa, Rubens Duarte Coelho, Timóteo Herculino da Silva Barros, Jonathan Vásquez Lizcano, Eusímio Felisbino Fraga Júnior, Lucas da Costa Santos, Daniel Philipe Veloso Leal, Nathália Lopes Ribeiro and Jéfferson de Oliveira Costa
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1117-1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020064 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Knowledge of how certain crops respond to water stress is one of the prerequisites for choosing the best variety and best management practices to maximize crop water productivity (WPc). The selection of a more efficient protocol for managing irrigation depths throughout [...] Read more.
Knowledge of how certain crops respond to water stress is one of the prerequisites for choosing the best variety and best management practices to maximize crop water productivity (WPc). The selection of a more efficient protocol for managing irrigation depths throughout the cultivation cycle and in the maturation process at the end of the growth period for each sugarcane variety can maximize bioethanol productivity and WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass, in addition to the total energy captured by the sugarcane canopy in the form of dry biomass. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four irrigation depths and four water deficit intensities on the maturation phase for eight sugarcane varieties under drip irrigation, analyzing the responses related to WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass. These experiments were conducted at the University of São Paulo. The plots were positioned in three randomized blocks, and the treatments were distributed in a factorial scheme (4 × 8 × 4). The treatments involved eight commercial varieties of sugarcane and included four water replacement levels and four water deficits of increasing intensity in the final phase of the crop season. It was found that for each variety of sugarcane, there was an optimal combination of irrigation management strategies throughout the cycle and during the maturation process. The RB966928 variety resulted in the best industrial bioethanol yield (68.7 L·Mg−1), WPc for bioethanol (0.97 L·m−3) and WPc for sugar (1.71 kg·m−3). The energy of the aerial parts partitioned as sugar had a direct positive correlation with the availability of water in the soil for all varieties. The RB931011 variety showed the greatest potential for converting water into shoots with an energy of 1.58 GJ·ha−1·mm−1, while the NCo376 variety had the lowest potential at 1.32 GJ·ha−1·mm−1. The productivity of first-generation bioethanol had the highest values per unit of planted area for the greatest water volumes applied and transpired by each variety; this justifies keeping soil moisture at field capacity until harvesting time only for WR100 water replacement level with a maximum ethanol potential of 13.27 m3·ha−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering)
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12 pages, 5343 KiB  
Article
Research on a Machine–Tractor Unit for Strip-Till Technology
by Volodymyr Nadykto, Rolandas Domeika, Gennadii Golub, Savelii Kukharets, Tetiana Chorna, Jonas Čėsna and Taras Hutsol
AgriEngineering 2023, 5(4), 2184-2195; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering5040134 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1334
Abstract
One of the most modern technologies for growing row crops is strip-till. Currently, it occupies an intermediate position between conventional tillage and no-till technologies. Special complex and expensive machines are used to implement strip-till technology practically. To avoid this, a combined unit is [...] Read more.
One of the most modern technologies for growing row crops is strip-till. Currently, it occupies an intermediate position between conventional tillage and no-till technologies. Special complex and expensive machines are used to implement strip-till technology practically. To avoid this, a combined unit is proposed, including a tractor and two simple machines: a front-disc harrow and a chisel plough mounted behind the tractor. As experimental studies have shown, this unit makes implementing the strip-till one-pass technology possible. In this case, the oscillations process in the soil-loosening depth of strips is low-frequency since at least 95% of this statistical parameter variance is concentrated in the frequency range of 0–16.8 s−1 or 0–2.7 Hz, and its maximum falls at a frequency of 0.4 Hz. The soil-loosening depth in the strips can deviate from the mean value by ±2 cm once per 7.1 m of the combined unit’s path. With a mean speed of its movement of 2.1 m·s−1, the release frequency of the mean value of the soil-loosening depth exceeding ±2 cm is only 0.29 s or 0.05 Hz. Not less than 95% of the loosened strips’ non-straightness oscillations variance is in the frequency range of 0–0.25 m−1, and the value of the variance itself is small and amounts to 1.08 cm2. Proceeding from this, the non-straightness of the loosened strips by the combined unit can be considered satisfactory since its indicators meet the requirements for the non-straightness of row crops in terms of variance and frequency oscillations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agroecosystems: Advances in Agricultural Engineering)
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