Design and testing of an agricultural implement for underground application of rodenticide bait

An agricultural implement for underground application of rodenticide bait to control the Mediterranean pocket gopher (Microtus Duodecimcostatus) in fruit orchards has been designed and tested. The main objective of this research was to design and test the implement by using the finite element method (FEM) and considering a range of loads generated on most commonly used furrow openers in agricultural implements. As a second step, the prototype was tested in the field by analysing the effects of forward speed and application depth on the mechanical behaviour of the implement structure. The FEM was used in the design phase and a prototype was manufactured. The structural strains on the prototype chassis under working conditions were tested by using strain gauges to validate the design phase. Three forward speeds (4.5, 5.5, and 7.0 km/h), three application depths (0.12, 0.15, and 0.17 m), and two types of soil (clayey-silty-loam and clayey-silty-sandy) were considered. The prototype was validated successfully by analysing the information obtained from the strain gauges. The Von Mises stresses indicated a safety coefficient of 1.9 for the most critical load case. Although both forward speed and application depth had a significant effect on the stresses generated on the chassis, the latter parameter critically affected the structural behaviour of the implement. The effects of the application depth on the strains were linear such that strains increased with depth. In contrast, strains remained roughly constant regardless of variation in the forward speed

Site-specific seeding using multi-sensor and data fusion techniques : a review

Site-specific seeding (SSS) is a precision agricultural (PA) practice aiming at optimizing seeding rate and depth, depending on the within field variability in soil fertility and yield potential. Unlike other site-specific applications, SSS was not adopted sufficiently by farmers due to some technological and practical challenges that need to be overcome. Success of site-specific application strongly depends on the accuracy of measurement of key parameters in the system, modeling and delineation of management zone maps, accurate recommendations and finally the right choice of variable rate (VR) technologies and their integrations. The current study reviews available principles and technologies for both map-based and senor-based SSS. It covers the background of crop and soil quality indicators (SQI), various soil and crop sensor technologies and recommendation approaches of map-based and sensor-based SSS applications. It also discusses the potential of socio-economic benefits of SSS against uniform seeding. The current review proposes prospective future technology synthesis for implementation of SSS in practice. A multi-sensor data fusion system, integrating proper sensor combinations, is suggested as an essential approach for putting SSS into practice

EFFECTS OF SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT ON ABSORBANCE SPECTRA OF SANDY SOILS IN SENSING PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS USING UV-VIS-NIR SPECTROSCOPY

ABSTRACT. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of soil moisture content on the absorbance spectra of sandy soils with different phosphorus (P) concentrations using ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near-infrared (NIR) absorbance spectroscopy. Sieve sizes were 125, 250, and 600 �m for fine, medium, and coarse, respectively. The medium size of th

IMPROVING PHOSPHORUS SENSING BY ELIMINATING SOIL PARTICLE SIZE EFFECT IN SPECTRAL MEASUREMENT

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the effects of soil particle size on the reflectance spectra of sandy soils using ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy in sensing phosphorus (P) concentration. Pure sandy soil was graded into three particle sizes. Sieve sizes were 125, 250, and 600 �m for fine, medium, and coarse, respectively. Phosphorus application rates for the soil samples were 0.0, 12.5, 62.5, 175.0, 375.0, 750.0, and 1000.0 mg kg −1. Concentrations of P in the soil samples were analyzed. The reflectance of the samples was measured between 225 and 2525 nm at 1 nm intervals. Overall, soils with coarse particles absorbed light more than those with medium and fine particles. Detection analysis for soil particle sizes was conducted using ratio and discriminant analysis methods. Prediction analyses for P concentration were performed using multiple linear regression (MLR; stepwise and maximum R 2 methods) and linear partial least squares (PLS). Results showed that detection of the particle size in a spectrum and then the prediction of P using individual calibration models for each soil particle size produced lower prediction errors. For the maximum R 2 MLR, stepwise MLR, and linear PLS analyses, respectively, the standard errors of prediction (SEPs) for determining P concentration without removing the particle size effect were 105.8, 106.2, and 69.8 mg kg −1 and after removing the particle size effect were 52.8, 73.4, and 64.4 mg kg −1. Phosphorus (P) is currently measured by methods including chemical analysis, atomic spectroscopy, and chromatography that require sampling, handling

Revolutionizing the Garment Industry 5.0: Embracing Closed-Loop Design, E-Libraries, and Digital Twins

This study presents an innovative approach for modernizing the garment industry through the fusion of digital human modeling (DHM), virtual modeling for fit sizing, ergonomic body-size data, and e-library resources. The integration of these elements empowers manufacturers to revolutionize their clothing design and production methods, leading to the delivery of unparalleled fit, comfort, and personalization for a wide range of body shapes and sizes. DHM, known for its precision in representing human bodies virtually and integrating anthropometric data, including ergonomic measurements, enhances the shopping experience by providing valuable insights. Consumers gain access to the knowledge necessary for making tailored clothing choices, thereby enhancing the personalization and satisfaction of their shopping experience. The incorporation of e-library resources takes the garment design approach to a data-driven and customer-centric level. Manufacturers can draw upon a wealth of information regarding body-size diversity, fashion trends, and customer preferences, all sourced from e-libraries. This knowledge supports the creation of a diverse range of sizes and styles, promoting inclusivity and relevance. Beyond improving garment fit, this comprehensive integration streamlines design and production processes by reducing the reliance on physical prototypes. This not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to environmental responsibility, fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for the garment industry and embracing the future of fashion, where technology and data converge to create clothing that authentically fits, resonates with consumers, and aligns with the principles of sustainability. This study developed the mobile application integrating with the information in cloud database in order to present the best-suited garment for the user

Surface characterization by accurate measurement and image processing systems on machined surfaces of precision cutting tools

High precise measurement techniques and surface structure analysis are required in advanced fields of interchangeable manufacturing and precision engineering. This study presents the characterization of the surface roughness of the machined milling cutters by experimental precision measurements and the image processing tool. The data obtained are compared to assess the surface characterization parameters and computational data in terms of precision, accuracy, sensitivity, repeatability and resolution. In the experimental measurement phase, the roughness measurements and surface topography characterization were performed in the nanotechnology laboratory using the stylus profilometry and digital microscopy. The computational phase was performed using an image processing toolbox with precise evaluation of the roughness for the machined metal surfaces of the end mill cutting tool. The surface parameter database is established exhibiting an advantage over the traditional method. This study reveals a comparison methodology of the end mill surface parameters using both stylus readings and image processing software for widely used end mill cutting tools that have considerable effect on characterization of sensitive manufacturing surface of millings