Working Speed Analysis of the Gear-Driven Dibbling Mechanism of a 2.6 kW Walking-Type Automatic Pepper Transplanter

The development of an automatic walking-type pepper transplanter could be effective in improving the mechanization rate in pepper cultivation, where the dibbling mechanism plays a vital role and determines planting performance and efficiency. The objective of this research was to determine a suitable working speed for a gear-driven dibbling mechanism appropriate for a pepper transplanter, while considering agronomic transplanting requirements. The proposed dibbling mechanism consisted of two dibbling hoppers that simultaneously collected free-falling seedlings from the supply mechanism and dibbled them into soil. To enable the smooth collection and plantation of pepper seedlings, analysis was carried out via a mathematical working trajectory model of the dibbling mechanism, virtual prototype simulation, and validation tests, using a physical prototype. In the mathematical model analysis and simulation, a 300 mm/s forward speed of the transplanter and a 60 rpm rotational speed of the dibbling mechanism were preferable in terms of seedling uprightness and low mulch film damage. During the field test, transplanting was conducted at a 40 mm planting depth, using different forward speed levels. Seedlings were freely supplied to the hopper from a distance of 80 mm, and the success rate for deposition was 96.79%. A forward speed of 300 mm/s with transplanting speed of 120 seedlings/min was preferable in terms of achieving a high degree of seedling uprightness (90 ± 3.26), a low rate of misplanting (8.19%), a low damage area on mulch film (2341.95 ± 2.89 mm2), high uniformity of planting depth (39.74 ± 0.48 mm), and low power consumption (40.91 ± 0.97 W)

Rapid and Non-Destructive Monitoring of Moisture Content in Livestock Feed Using a Global Hyperspectral Model

The dry matter (DM) content of feed is vital in cattle nutrition and is inversely correlated with moisture content. The established ranges of moisture content serve as a marker for factors such as safe storage limit and DM intake. Rapid changes in moisture content necessitate rapid measurements. A rapid and non-destructive global model for the measurement of moisture content in total mixed ration feed and feed materials was developed. To achieve this, we varied and measured the moisture content in the feed and feed materials using standard methods and captured their images using a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system in the spectral range of 1000–2500 nm. The spectral data from the samples were extracted and preprocessed using seven techniques and were used to develop a global model using partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis. The range preprocessing technique had the best prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.98) and standard error of prediction (2.59%). Furthermore, the visual assessment of distribution in moisture content made possible by the generated PLSR-based moisture content mapped images could facilitate precise formulation. These applications of HSI, when used in commercial feed production, could help prevent feed spoilage and resultant health complications as well as underperformance of the animals from improper DM intake