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13 pages, 5240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Effect of Water Jet Cutting Parameters on Maize Stalks

by Dandan Cui, Hongwen Li, Jin He, Qingjie Wang, Caiyun Lu, Zhen Gao, Zhenwei Tong and Guangyuan Zhong

Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13040880 - 16 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1355

Abstract

Cutting maize stalks using water jet cutting technology is a new method of stalk management before no-tillage sowing. Aiming to cut off the maize stalks (stems and stem nodes), we conducted an all-factor cutting experiment on stems and single-factor cutting experiments on stem [...] Read more.

Cutting maize stalks using water jet cutting technology is a new method of stalk management before no-tillage sowing. Aiming to cut off the maize stalks (stems and stem nodes), we conducted an all-factor cutting experiment on stems and single-factor cutting experiments on stem nodes under different cutting parameters. The results showed that the cutoff ratio of the stems and stem nodes increased with water jet pressure and decreased with target distance and traverse speed. For cutting off the stems with a maximum traverse speed, the parameters were 120 MPa water jet pressure, 10 mm target distance, and 1371 mm/min traverse speed. When the target distance was 30 mm, the traverse speed was 4000 mm/min, and the water jet pressure was greater than or equal to 160 MPa, the cutoff ratio of stem nodes was 100%. Therefore, the water jet pressure ≥ 160 MPa, the target distance ≤ 10 mm, and the traverse speed ≤ 1371 mm/min were needed to cut off both. Moreover, bottom burrs, surface stripes, and cutting residue might appear due to the divergent and lagging characteristics of water jets. The results could provide basic data and technical support for cutting maize stalks with water jets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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20 pages, 5767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Test of a Crawler-Type Tiger-Nut Combine Harvester

by Zhe Qu, Minghui Han, Yanliu Lv, Zheng Zhou, Zhijun Lv, Wanzhang Wang and Xun He

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020277 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2192

Abstract

Traditional harvesters of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) face problems including low harvesting efficiency, high loss rate, high impurity rate, and high labor intensity. To solve these problems and improve the harvesting efficiency and quality of tiger nuts, a crawler-type tiger-nut combine [...] Read more.

Traditional harvesters of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) face problems including low harvesting efficiency, high loss rate, high impurity rate, and high labor intensity. To solve these problems and improve the harvesting efficiency and quality of tiger nuts, a crawler-type tiger-nut combine harvester that integrates digging, soil removal, picking, screening, and collection was designed. The machinery comprises crawler devices and working devices. The key devices were designed through theoretical analysis. Therein, the digging and hoisting devices consist of digger blades, combined soil-breaking blades, and vibrating hoisting chains. The tuber picking and screening device is composed of the tuber picking drum, double-deck heterodromous vibrating screens, impurity removal blowers, and soil-crushing guide rollers. The crawler devices include the track assemblies and the hydraulic driving systems. SolidWorks was used to establish the virtual prototype model. Combined with simulation using the discrete element software, the law of motion of tiger-nut tubers in the digging, elevation, and screening processes was studied, which verified the feasibility of the design. Finally, a prototype was manufactured and fabricated to conduct field harvesting tests on tiger nuts. Field test results indicate that the harvesting efficiency, harvest rate, and impurity rate of the tiger-nut harvester are separately 0.216 ha/h, 98.14%, and 3.24%, which meet the harvesting requirements for tiger-nut growers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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18 pages, 5959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experiment of Side-Shift Stubble Avoidance System for No-Till Wheat Seeder Based on Deviation-Perception Fusion Technology

by Zhenguo Zhang, Quanfeng Guo, Jin He, Minyi Zhao, Zhenyu Xing, Chao Zeng, Han Lin and Quanyu Wang

Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010180 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

To improve the stubble avoidance rate of no-till wheat seeders under the environment of corn stubble, the side-shift stubble avoidance system was developed in the present study based on deviation-perception fusion technology. Firstly, the amount of implement deviation compensation was accurately obtained by [...] Read more.

To improve the stubble avoidance rate of no-till wheat seeders under the environment of corn stubble, the side-shift stubble avoidance system was developed in the present study based on deviation-perception fusion technology. Firstly, the amount of implement deviation compensation was accurately obtained by the information sensing system. Then, a fuzzy PID algorithm was proposed to optimize the performance of the control system. Finally, the simulation model of the control system was developed by Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results showed that the regulation time required for the system response curve to reach the steady state was 1.0 s, and the maximum overshoot was 8.2%. To verify the performance of the side-shift stubble avoidance system, an orthogonal test was conducted. The optimal combination of parameters was obtained, including the operation speed of 1.3 m/s, the hydraulic cylinder speed of 25 mm/s, and the straw mulch amount of 1.2 kg/m². The field verification test was performed under the optimal parameters, showing the stubble avoidance rate was 90.6%, and the mean value of the sowing variation coefficient was 27.12%, which fully satisfied the requirements of stubble avoidance and sowing operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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16 pages, 5118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experimental Study on a New Horizontal Rotary Precision Seed Metering Device for Hybrid Rice

by Qianqian Xia, Wenyi Zhang, Bing Qi and Yunxia Wang

Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010158 - 08 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1717

Abstract

In order to meet the sowing demand of the hybrid rice plug seedling, a horizontal rotary precision seed metering device was proposed. The key structure parameters were designed, the kinematics analysis of the seed-filling process was carried out, and the main influencing factors [...] Read more.

In order to meet the sowing demand of the hybrid rice plug seedling, a horizontal rotary precision seed metering device was proposed. The key structure parameters were designed, the kinematics analysis of the seed-filling process was carried out, and the main influencing factors of the seeding performance evaluation index were determined. Taking motor speed, the eccentric distance of the disk, and seed layer thickness as test factors, and the taking qualification rate, repetition rate, and miss-seeding rate as seeding performance test indexes, the quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination test was carried out, and the relationship between the test factors and evaluation indexes was approached by a quadratic polynomial. On the basis of discussing the influence of the test factors on the performance index, the regression surrogate mathematical model between the main performance index and the influencing factors was established. The value of the evaluation index of correlation degree p between the model variables was less than 0.01. Based on the regression surrogate mathematical model, the response surface of the qualified rate of the seeding performance evaluation index was established, and the test data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. The rapid prediction of qualified rates under the influence of test factors was realized, and the optimum test parameters were obtained as follows: motor speed 165 r/min, an eccentric distance of disk 22 mm, seed layer thickness 28 mm, qualification rate 98.55%, miss-seeding rate 1.45%, and repetition rate 0%. According to the best combination of test parameters, the performance evaluation index test of the prototype was carried out, and the qualification rate, miss-seeding rate, and repetition rate were 98.34%, 1.66%, and 0%. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical analysis, indicating that the horizontal rotary precision seed metering device can meet the agronomic requirements of hybrid rice. The research results could provide some reference for the design of a precision seeding device for industrialized plug seedlings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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22 pages, 7523 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Optimal Design and Experiment of Critical Components of Hand-Pushing Corn Plot Precision Planter

by Huihui Zhao, Dongxing Zhang, Li Yang, Tao Cui, Wei Song, Xiantao He, Hailiang Wu and Jiaqi Dong

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122103 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3074

Abstract

The mechanized sowing operation of corn breeding can improve test accuracy and efficiency and speed up the test process. In view of the problems of low flexibility, high price, and poor sowing quality of the current seeder in corn breeding experiments, the critical [...] Read more.

The mechanized sowing operation of corn breeding can improve test accuracy and efficiency and speed up the test process. In view of the problems of low flexibility, high price, and poor sowing quality of the current seeder in corn breeding experiments, the critical components of a hand-pushing corn plot precision planter were optimized. Through the analysis of the relative motion between corn seed and the hole seed-metering wheel, the hole diameter range and hole depth range of the hole seed-metering wheel were determined as 13~19 mm and 6~12 mm, respectively. The chamber structure was optimized to improve the seed filling performance under the condition of a small number of seeds. The angle range between the connecting plate and the horizontal line (ACP) and the angle range between the back plate and the horizontal line (ABP) were 35~55° and 40~70°, respectively. EDEM was used to simulate the seeding circumstances of hole seed-metering wheel with different holes sizes. The optimal combination of hole diameter and depth under different seeds’ sizes and the appropriate angle combination of ACP and ABP were obtained through the orthogonal test. The results of the simulation experiment showed that the optimal hole diameter–depth combinations of the small, medium, and large corn seeds were 13–8, 15–10, and 17–8 mm, respectively. The angle ACP and the angle ABP were, respectively, 45°and 70°. The soil bin test was carried out to further verify the actual seeding effect and the influence of the rotating speed of hole seed-metering wheel on seeding. The results showed that when the rotating speed of hole seed-metering wheel was less than 16.0 r/min, the qualified seeding rates and the double seeds rates of the small, medium, and large corn seeds were higher than 90% and 85%, respectively. The missing seeding rates were 0%. The variation coefficients of plant spacing were less than 5%, indicating good stability of plant spacing, which met the design requirements. The study results can provide a theoretical reference for the optimization design of maize breeding equipment in a plot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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23 pages, 12356 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Soil Compaction under Different Traction Resistance Conditions—A Case Study in North Italy

by Kaihua Liu, Marco Benetti, Marco Sozzi, Franco Gasparini and Luigi Sartori

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1954; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111954 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2552

Abstract

Tractive efficiency is essential in tillage operations to optimise traction performance. In this field experiment, the tractor performance was measured under different traction resistance conditions. This study quantified the soil stress, soil bulk density, soil moisture, soil cone index, soil surface disturbance, rolling [...] Read more.

Tractive efficiency is essential in tillage operations to optimise traction performance. In this field experiment, the tractor performance was measured under different traction resistance conditions. This study quantified the soil stress, soil bulk density, soil moisture, soil cone index, soil surface disturbance, rolling resistance and slip rate under different numbers of passes and traction conditions. The actual power used under different soil and traction conditions was collected. Fuel consumption and savings were calculated between uncompacted soil, compacted soil and the permanent traffic lane. The results show that soil stress increases in each location as traction and the number of passes increase. Soil’s physical properties increase, such as the soil bulk density, soil cone index and soil surface disturbance. Additionally, the slip rate increases with traction in each soil condition as uncompacted soil, compacted soil and the permanent traffic lane. The results show that the permanent traffic lane has a lower slip rate under different traction conditions than the uncompacted and compacted soil. Furthermore, the permanent traffic lane has less energy consumption with the same traction resistance. The permanent traffic lane saved 25.50%, 29.23% and 42.34% fuel compared to the uncompacted field in 7.85, 14.71 and 24.52 kN traction conditions, respectively. Our results confirm that dynamic factors such as traction and rolling resistance should be considered in soil compaction research rather than static weight only. In practice, the controlled traffic farming (CTF) system or driving the tractor more frequently on the permanent traffic lane should be considered to improve working efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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13 pages, 5087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Simulation Analysis of a Reverse Flexible Harvesting Device for Fresh Corn

by Hongmei Zhang, Bo Chen, Zhijie Li, Chenhui Zhu, E Jin and Zhe Qu

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111953 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1435

Abstract

Aiming at the problem of grain breakage during the harvesting of fresh corn, this paper theoretically analyzes the collision process between the ear picking device and the corn ear, and a flexible ear picking structure composed of flexible materials and buffer springs is [...] Read more.

Aiming at the problem of grain breakage during the harvesting of fresh corn, this paper theoretically analyzes the collision process between the ear picking device and the corn ear, and a flexible ear picking structure composed of flexible materials and buffer springs is determined. Combined with a new harvesting method that reverses the growth direction from top to bottom, a reverse flexible ear plucking device for fresh corn was designed. We used the ADAMS software to simulate the ear picking process of fresh corn, analyze the contact force between the rigid structure and flexible buffer structure under different picking claw speeds and stalk feeding speeds, and obtain the optimal parameter combination: the picking claw speed was 2 m/s, and the stalk feeding speed was 1 m/s. On the basis of the simulation, a reverse flexible fresh corn harvesting bench was built, and the optimal operating parameters were obtained from the test: the speed of ear picking claws was 2.11 m/s; the number of ear picking claws was four; the thickness of the flexible body was 4.52 mm; the stem feeding speed was 1.04 m/s; the corresponding grain breakage rate was 0.128%, which was far lower than the national standard (0.5%); and the ear impurity content was 0.3%, which was far lower than the national standard (2%). The results are consistent with the simulation results, proving that the model is reliable. This research achieved the harvest of fresh corn ears with a low grain damage rate, verified the possibility of reverse flexible ear picking, and provided a reference for the research and development of low-damage fresh corn harvesting machines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 18961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of Seed-Movement Characteristics in New Maize Delivery Device

by Rui Liu, Lijing Liu, Yanjun Li, Zhongjun Liu, Jinhui Zhao, Yunqiang Liu and Xuedong Zhang

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111944 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1542

Abstract

The delivery device is one of the key components in ensuring uniform grain spacing and achieving high-speed precision seeding. In this paper, a new type of high-speed airflow-assisted delivery device for maize is presented. The gas–solid flow in the delivery device was numerically [...] Read more.

The delivery device is one of the key components in ensuring uniform grain spacing and achieving high-speed precision seeding. In this paper, a new type of high-speed airflow-assisted delivery device for maize is presented. The gas–solid flow in the delivery device was numerically studied by the coupling method of CFD and DEM. The influence of the structural parameters of the delivery device on the movement of the seeds and the airflow field was analyzed in detail. The matching relationship between the inlet-airflow velocity and the operating speed of the seeder was explored. The results show that the position of the intake seed chamber mainly affects the negative pressure in the distribution area of the mixing chamber. The increase in the shrinkage angle results in the decrease in pressure loss and the decrease in airflow velocity in the delivery chamber. As the diffusion angle increases, the airflow forms a stable straight jet flow and the airflow velocity in the delivery chamber increases. As the ejection angle increases, the bouncing degree of the seed decreases, thereby ensuring the consistency of the seed-ejection direction. The research results show that, when the intake seed chamber is located in the middle, the shrinkage angle is 70°, the diffusion angle is 30°, and the exit angle is 60°, the air-assisted delivery device has better performance. With the increase in inlet wind speed, the seed-ejection speed can also be increased according to a certain proportion, which can meet the requirements of zero-speed seeding and ensure the uniformity of seed spacing, providing a new seed delivery scheme. In the future, if invasive damage to the seed shell is guaranteed to be minimized in high-speed airflow, the new delivery device can meet the requirements of precision seeding under high-speed conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 5798 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Analysis and Design of Operating Parameters of Floor-Standing Jujube Pickup Device Based on Discrete Element Method

by Lun Zhou, Jingbin Li, Longpeng Ding, Huizhe Ding and Junpeng Liang

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111904 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

In view of the problem whereby the floor-standing jujube pickup device designed by the research group has a large resistance when the comb teeth (CT) enter the soil, the strip brush can easily bend, and the operation effect is poor. In this paper, [...] Read more.

In view of the problem whereby the floor-standing jujube pickup device designed by the research group has a large resistance when the comb teeth (CT) enter the soil, the strip brush can easily bend, and the operation effect is poor. In this paper, the structural parameters of the CT and bar brush in the mechanical floor date-picking device are determined by theoretical analysis. EDEM software was used to establish the discrete element simulation model of the floor-standing jujube soil–jujube pickup device. According to the simulation results, it is determined that the angle of the CT entering the soil (ACT) can change freely within 30–33° and meet the operation requirements. Through the single-factor test on the pickup rate of jujube and the soil hilling quantity, it is determined that the value range of the CT working speed (CWS) is 0.2–0.4 m/s, and the value range of the CT entering the soil (DCS) is 5–45 mm. Simulation and field verification tests were carried out on the determined operation parameter range. It was found that when the CWS was 0.2 m/s and the DCS was 5 mm, the pickup rates in the simulation test and the field verification test were 84.17% and 91.23%, respectively, and the relative error was the largest but not more than 8%. The result shows that the operation parameters and range determined by the discrete element method were reliable. This study is expected to provide the working parameter basis for the subsequent design of a floor-standing jujube pickup device. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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17 pages, 7078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parameter Optimization and Experiment of a Seed Furrow Cleaning Device for No-Till Maize Seeding

by Panpan Yuan, Hongwen Li, Shenghai Huang, Shan Jiang, Jing Xu, Han Lin and Rongrong Li

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111901 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1631

Abstract

To avoid the issues of seeds lying atop straw, where the seeds cannot germinate, during no-till maize seeding, a seed furrow cleaning device is proposed. The device uses rotating spring teeth and a curved sliding shovel to clear the straw from the seed [...] Read more.

To avoid the issues of seeds lying atop straw, where the seeds cannot germinate, during no-till maize seeding, a seed furrow cleaning device is proposed. The device uses rotating spring teeth and a curved sliding shovel to clear the straw from the seed furrow to the outside. The critical components of the side throwing mechanism, rotary disc and spring teeth design are analyzed, and the value range of the installation inclination angle, rotating speed and bending angle of spring teeth are determined. The force on the straw at the moment of starting to touch and throw it is analyzed theoretically in the three installation directions of forward inclination, radial and backward inclination on the rotary disc, and the backward inclination of the spring teeth is determined. A simulation model of the seed furrow cleaning device is established by using the discrete element method simulation software; the forwarding speed, rotating speed, installation inclination angle, and bending angle of spring teeth are used as influencing factors to carry out single-factor experiments. The influence characteristics of different parameters on seed ditch cleaning effect are analyzed from the aspects of straw cleaning quantity and soil disturbance. A field validation experiment is carried out, and the results show that when rotating speed is 180 r/min, installation inclination angle of spring teeth is 40°, and bending angle is 30°, the straw cleaning rate is 82.26%. The research could provide references to develop the no-till seeder for maize seeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 5907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Experiment of Vertical Variable Cavity Base Fertilizer Fertilizing Apparatus

by Xiuli Zhang, Yikun Pei, Yong Chen, Qianglong Song, Peilin Zhou, Yueqing Xia and Xiaochan Liu

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111793 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

A vertical variable cavity organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer apparatus were designed according to tobacco farming requirements to overcome issues of unstable fertilizer discharge and blocking in the fertilizer disk of an existing fertilizer apparatus. The structure and working principle of the fertilizer [...] Read more.

A vertical variable cavity organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer apparatus were designed according to tobacco farming requirements to overcome issues of unstable fertilizer discharge and blocking in the fertilizer disk of an existing fertilizer apparatus. The structure and working principle of the fertilizer apparatus were described. Combined with the principle of anti-arch and the requirements of fertilizer application, the structure size of the fertilizer apparatus was determined. Using the opening degree and rotational speed of the fertilizer disk as the test factors and the fertilizer rate and variation coefficient of fertilizer application rate as the indices, the EDEM was used to conduct the single factor test and obtain the appropriate rotational speed range. The results indicated that the variation coefficient of the fertilizer uniformity apparatus was 0.96–5.22% under different rotation speeds and fertilizer disk openings, which satisfied design requirements. The orthogonal experiment explored the interaction between rotational speed and the opening. The influence of the opening adjustment on the fertilizer application rate and the coefficient of variation of uniformity were greater than the change in fertilizer disk speed. The bench and field tests aligned with the simulation test. These findings provide a reference and theoretical basis to design a fertilizer apparatus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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16 pages, 6558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Experiment of Sieving Process of Sieving Device for Tiger Nut Harvester

by Hongmei Zhang, Zheng Zhou, Zhe Qu, Zhijie Li and Wanzhang Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101680 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

In order to realize mechanized and efficient harvesting of tiger nuts, study the efficient screening technology of beans and soil in a mechanized harvesting operation and improve the harvesting operation efficiency of crawler-type tiger nut harvesters, a theoretical analysis of the motion process [...] Read more.

In order to realize mechanized and efficient harvesting of tiger nuts, study the efficient screening technology of beans and soil in a mechanized harvesting operation and improve the harvesting operation efficiency of crawler-type tiger nut harvesters, a theoretical analysis of the motion process of detritus particles on a sieve surface was conducted to determine the main factors affecting the motion of the particles on the sieve surface. A numerical simulation of the sieving process using the discrete element method was conducted to improve the screening efficiency of tiger nuts. The transport law of the debris particle population was analyzed from different perspectives, such as the average velocity of particle motion, particle distribution rate, screening efficiency and loss rate. The effects of factors such as screen amplitude (SA), vibration frequency (VF) and inclination angle (IA) on the sieving performance of the tiger nut threshing and screening device were investigated. The results show that sieving performance evaluation indexes, such as the average speed of particle movement, particle distribution rate, screening efficiency and loss rate, are non-linearly related to the factors of screen amplitude, vibration frequency and screen inclination angle; the effects of amplitude and frequency on the distribution particle size are consistent and show a gradual increase, with the distribution particle size reaching 3.32 mm at an amplitude of 14 mm and 3.46 mm at a frequency of 22 Hz. In the sieving process, the average velocity of the particle population decreases gradually along the direction of motion, and the influence of each factor on the average velocity of the particle population in the motion of the detritus is similar, all showing an increasing trend. This study can provide a reference for exploring the transport law of particles and the efficient screening technology of tiger nuts. Field harvesting tests showed that the screening efficiency and loss rate were 92.87% and 0.83%, respectively, at a screen amplitude of 14 mm, a vibration frequency of 10 Hz and an inclination angle of 2°, and the test results corresponded to the simulation results and met the design requirements of the tiger nut harvester. This study can provide reference for the investigation of the particle transport law and efficient screening technology for tiger nuts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 7266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experimental Study of a Bi-Directional Rotating Stubble-Cutting No-Tillage Planter

by Huibin Zhu, Xian Wu, Cheng Qian, Lizhen Bai, Shiao Ma, Haoran Zhao, Xu Zhang and Hui Li

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101637 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1714

Abstract

In view of the problem of a large amount of stubble and straw in Southwest China, it is difficult to carry out no-tillage sowing operations. Based on the principle of supported cutting, a bi-directional rotating stubble-cutting no-tillage planter was designed. According to the [...] Read more.

In view of the problem of a large amount of stubble and straw in Southwest China, it is difficult to carry out no-tillage sowing operations. Based on the principle of supported cutting, a bi-directional rotating stubble-cutting no-tillage planter was designed. According to the extracted left and right mouth contours of Batocera horsfieldi (Hope), the blade curve of a bi-directional rotating cutterhead was designed. The discrete element models were established regarding ‘bi-directional rotating disc cutter, straw and soil’, ‘fertilizer apparatus and fertilizer’, and ‘opener and soil’ in the Extended-Domain-Eigenfunction Method (EDEM) software. The optimal working parameters were analyzed using a quadratic regression orthogonal rotation test and response surface methodology. Accordingly, the prototype was manufactured and the field performance test was carried out. The best working parameters of the machine were as follows: the forward speed of the machine was 0.9 m·s⁻¹, the cutter spacing was 60 mm, the forward speed was 150 r·min⁻¹, and the reverse speed was 313 r·min⁻¹. The field experiment results showed that the average cutting rate of corn straw was 95.72% using the anti-blocking device when the straw mulching amount was 1.63 kg·m⁻². The average sowing depth was 5.4 cm, the average fertilization depth was 10.1 cm, and the average seed–fertilizer spacing was 4.7 cm. The qualified rates of sowing depth, fertilization depth, and spacing were 88.89%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The designed bi-directional rotating stubble-cutting no-tillage planter can meet the requirements of no-tillage sowing in Southwest China. This study can provide reference for the design and improvement of no-tillage planters under the conditions of a large amount of stubble and straw. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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21 pages, 6770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Spatial Variability of Plough Layer Compaction by High-Power and No-Tillage Multifunction Units in Northeast China

by Wenjie Li, Zhenghe Song, Minli Yang, Xiao Yang, Zhenhao Luo and Weijie Guo

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101530 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

In this study, we addressed the problem of the spatial variability of plough layer compaction by high-power and no-tillage multifunction units in the management of maize planting in the Great Northern Wilderness in China. A comprehensive field experiment involving high-power and no-tillage multifunction [...] Read more.

In this study, we addressed the problem of the spatial variability of plough layer compaction by high-power and no-tillage multifunction units in the management of maize planting in the Great Northern Wilderness in China. A comprehensive field experiment involving high-power and no-tillage multifunction units for 165 acres of maize was conducted and analyzed using GIS. Firstly, the test area was divided into four areas, and points were set at equal horizontal distances to collect data on the compactness, water content, porosity and fatigue of the plough layer at different depths. Secondly, the GIS kriging difference method was used to analyze the impact of longitudinal compaction of the plough layer profile at each depth in different test areas. Thirdly, the GIS kriging difference method was used to analyze the lateral spatial distribution of plough layer compaction. Finally, the spatial longitudinal and transverse variabilities of the plough layer were summarized, and the effect of the high-power and no-tillage multifunction units on the physical ecology of the soil in the plough layer was investigated. The results show that the physical properties of the plough layer can be significantly affected by compaction after spreading in the middle tillage period. The surface soil was most affected, with the greatest change in compactness and porosity; the rate of change of soil compactness reached 143.49% and the rate of change of soil porosity reached 40.57%. With the increase in soil depth, the rate of change of soil compactness and porosity gradually decreased. The greatest variation in soil moisture content was found in the middle layer and reached a maximum of 13.78% at a depth of approximately 20 cm. The results of the spatial variability analysis show that the mean values of c₀/(c₀ + c) for the spatial semi-variance functions of compactness, water content and porosity of the tilled soil in the longitudinal space of each test area before compaction were approximately 15%, 19% and 20%, respectively; after compaction, the mean values were approximately 33%, 23% and 30%, respectively; the mean values of c₀/(c₀ + c) for the spatial semi-variance functions of compactness, water content and porosity change of the tilled soil were approximately 24%, 14% and 12%, respectively. The mean values of c₀/(c₀ + c) for the spatial semi-variance functions of compactness, water content and porosity of the soil at each depth in the lateral space before compaction were approximately 80%, 71% and 78%, respectively, and after compaction the mean values were approximately 40%, 23% and 24%, respectively, with the mean values of c₀/(c₀ + c) along the east–west direction being approximately 8%, 27% and 18%, and the mean values of c₀/(c₀ + c) along the north–south direction being approximately 9%, 0% and 20%. The results show that compaction by high-power and no-tillage multifunction units led to a decrease in the spatial variability of soil physical parameters at each depth of tillage in the black soil layer in the longitudinal space, while the spatial variability of the soil physical parameters at each depth of tillage in the black soil layer in the transverse space increased. Moreover, the degree of influence of compaction by high-power and no-tillage multifunction units on soil physical parameters was higher in both vertical and horizontal spaces. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the analysis of the impact of large units on the compaction of black soil layers from the perspective of GIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 6072 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Design and Analysis of Pneumatic Downforce Regulating Device for No-Till Corn Planter

by Xinpeng Cao, Qingjie Wang, Dijuan Xu, Shenghai Huang, Xiuhong Wang and Longbao Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101513 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2362

Abstract

To avoid the issues of undesired soil compaction and seeding depth variation caused by the downforce fluctuation of the corn no-till planter, the influence of the structural parameters of the air spring on the downforce was researched in this paper, by establishing the [...] Read more.

To avoid the issues of undesired soil compaction and seeding depth variation caused by the downforce fluctuation of the corn no-till planter, the influence of the structural parameters of the air spring on the downforce was researched in this paper, by establishing the gas–solid coupling simulation model of the air spring. The downforce test bench was built to verify the simulation model; the test showed that the vertical output force error of the simulation model was 4.79%, the pitch diameter error was 0.76%, and the pressure error was 5.07%. The cord angle, piston angle and piston diameter were used as influencing factors to carry out single-factor experiments. The influences of structural parameters on downforce were analyzed from four aspects: the vertical output force, the vertical stiffness, the pressure difference and the deformation rate. The results showed that the cord angle reduced the effective area and its change rate during deformation by limiting the radial deformation of the bellow. When the cord angles were 30°, 45° and 60°, the deformation rates were 65.6%, 20.3% and 4.8%, respectively. The cord angle had a positive effect on the vertical output force when the cord angle was in the range of 30~56°, and it had a negative impact in the range of 56~60°. As the cord angle increased, the vertical stiffness decreased. As the piston angle increased, the effective area of the air spring decreased, and the change in internal pressure decreased, reducing its vertical output force and stiffness. The piston diameter had little effect on the internal pressure and deformation rate. It increased the vertical output force and stiffness by increasing the effective area. The structural parameters of the air spring had a significant impact on the stability of the downforce; the structure of the air spring should be optimized according to the downforce demand of the corn no-till planter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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22 pages, 8562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of a Remote Monitoring System for Agricultural Machinery Operation in Conservation Tillage

by Changhai Luo, Jingping Chen, Shuxia Guo, Xiaofei An, Yanxin Yin, Changkai Wen, Huaiyu Liu, Zhijun Meng and Chunjiang Zhao

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091460 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2906

Abstract

There is an increasing demand for remote monitoring and management of agricultural machinery operation in conservation tillage. Considering the problems of large errors in detecting operation quality parameters, such as tillage depth and corn straw cover rate, in complex farmland environments, this paper [...] Read more.

There is an increasing demand for remote monitoring and management of agricultural machinery operation in conservation tillage. Considering the problems of large errors in detecting operation quality parameters, such as tillage depth and corn straw cover rate, in complex farmland environments, this paper proposes a tillage depth measurement method based on the dual attitude compound of a tractor body and three-point hitch mechanism with lower pull rod and an online measurement method based on K-means clustering of the corn straw cover rate on farmland surface. An operation monitoring terminal was developed for the remote collection of quality parameters of conservation tillage field operation. A remote monitoring system of agricultural machinery operation was constructed and applied over a large area. The field tests showed that the static mean error and root-mean-square error of this method were 0.16 and 0.67 cm for uphill and 0.36 and 0.57 cm for downhill, respectively. For the 28 and 33 cm tillage depth tests, the mean dynamic measurement errors of this method were 0.55 and 0.61 cm, and the root means square errors were 0.64 and 0.73 cm, respectively, and the coefficient of variation of tillage depth did not exceed 3%. The correlation coefficient between the corn straw cover rate detection algorithm based on K-means clustering and the manual image marking method reached 0.92, with an average error of 9.69%, and the accuracy filled the demand for straw cover rate detection. The detection accuracy of tillage depth and straw cover rate was high and thus provides an effective means of information technology support for the quality monitoring and production management of conservation tillage farming operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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10 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Conservation Tillage on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in Karst Regions, Southwest China

by Lizhen Bai, Xiangying Kong, Hui Li, Huibin Zhu, Chengwu Wang and Shiao Ma

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091449 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

Karst rocky desertification associated with human disturbance is one of the most serious eco-environmental problems, threatening the sustainable development of agriculture in southwestern China. In the current study, the practice of conservation tillage as one of the best ways of reducing the constraints [...] Read more.

Karst rocky desertification associated with human disturbance is one of the most serious eco-environmental problems, threatening the sustainable development of agriculture in southwestern China. In the current study, the practice of conservation tillage as one of the best ways of reducing the constraints is addressed. During a two-year trial (2014–2015), the effects of no tillage with straw cover (NT) and traditional tillage (TT) on soil properties and maize yields were investigated in karst regions, Southwest China. The results showed that the trial with NT increased soil moisture content by 3%, while decreasing soil bulk density by 7% in the top 30 cm compared with TT. In 2014, within 0–30 cm of soil depth, total nitrogen under NT treatment was 5% higher than that under TT treatment. In 2015, the mean soil organic matter (SOM) and available P were enhanced to 12% and 13% in 0–30 cm soil depth more than that under TT, respectively. The trial with NT significantly (p < 0.05) increased available N in the top 20 cm by 9% as compared to TT. This improvement in soil physical and chemical properties might have increased the crop yield. After the two-year trial with NT, the mean maize yields increased by 11% compared with the TT trial. Therefore, conservation tillage is the better option considering long-term environmental sustainability in karst regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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18 pages, 6797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization and Experiment of a Disturbance-Assisted Seed Filling High-Speed Vacuum Seed-Metering Device Based on DEM-CFD

by Rui Liu, Zhongjun Liu, Jiale Zhao, Qi Lu, Lijing Liu and Yinghang Li

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091304 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

In disturbance-assisted seed filling vacuum seed-metering devices, the suction hole causes difficulty in quickly and stably sucking seeds when used for high-speed seeding and the large working negative pressure demand is used. To address this difficulty, this study’s authors designed a seed disk [...] Read more.

In disturbance-assisted seed filling vacuum seed-metering devices, the suction hole causes difficulty in quickly and stably sucking seeds when used for high-speed seeding and the large working negative pressure demand is used. To address this difficulty, this study’s authors designed a seed disk hole with a variable cross-section structure, and the groove depth, which has the function of assisting seed filling, was optimized. Using the combined method of Fluent numerical analysis and an orthogonal experiment, the influence of the shape, inlet diameter, and length of the seed disk hole on the pressure difference of the seed disk hole was analyzed. The working process of the vacuum seed meter was simulated and analyzed by the Discrete Element Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics coupling method. It was found that with the increase of the diameter of the seed disk hole, the pressure difference decreased, and the length of the seed disk hole had little effect on the pressure difference. The best diameter of the seed disk hole was 5.4 mm, and the length was 5 mm. It was found that the pressurization effect of the arc-shaped seed disk hole is better. With the increase of groove depth, the leakage rate shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, which was determined to be 1.5 mm. The verification experiment proved that the working performance of the optimized seed metering device is better than that of the original one. The results show that when the working negative pressure was 4 kPa and the working speeds were 8~14 km·h⁻¹, the qualified rate was not less than 95.0%, and the seed filling performance was relatively stable. The optimized vacuum seed metering device can be applied to high-speed seeders, while ensuring the requirements of high-speed sowing operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 4271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Traffic-Induced Compaction on Soil Bulk Density, Soil Stress Distribution and Key Growth Indicators of Maize in North China Plain

by Xianliang Wang, Jin He, Mingyue Bai, Lei Liu, Shang Gao, Kun Chen and Haiyang Zhuang

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081220 - 13 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

The traffic-induced soil compaction in the field has gradually become an important constraint to sustainable agricultural development. A field experiment was conducted to acquire the stress transmitted caused by multiple passes with different types of tractors and to investigate the impact of these [...] Read more.

The traffic-induced soil compaction in the field has gradually become an important constraint to sustainable agricultural development. A field experiment was conducted to acquire the stress transmitted caused by multiple passes with different types of tractors and to investigate the impact of these stresses on soil bulk density and crop growth. The experiment applied two tractors with different masses: LOVOL M904 (HC) and John Deer 280 (LC), and six different treatments of 0 (C0), 1 (C1), 3 (C3), 5 (C5), 7 (C7), and 9 (C9) tractor passes for each tractor. The results showed that at each number of passes, tractors with small axle-loads at 0–20 cm depth generated higher soil additional stress, while tractors with large axle-loads at 20–80 cm depth generated higher soil additional stress. In the 0–20 cm soil layer, when the number of continuous passes is less than 7 times, the passes of a small axle-load tractor lead to larger soil bulk density, and when the number of continuous passes is more than 7, the compaction of large axle-load tractor leads to larger soil bulk density. At depths of 20–80 cm, compaction by large axle-load tractors results in larger soil bulk density. In this study, different levels of tractor compaction inhibited key growth indicators of maize, resulting in yield reductions. The effect of different tractor load compaction on maize yield increased significantly with the number of compaction passes, with 1–5 tractor passes having no significant effect on yield and 7–9 passes producing greater yield reductions for HC. This study will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the selection of agricultural machinery and reasonable tillage technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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20 pages, 3905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Evaluation of a Mechanical Floor-Standing Jujube Picker

by Lun Zhou, Jingbin Li, Longpeng Ding, Huizhe Ding, Gaokun Shi and Daolin Li

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081203 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

The poor adaptability of existing harvesting machinery and low work efficiency is observed due to the low-level mechanized harvesting of Xinjiang jujube orchards. A mechanical floor-standing jujube picker was designed on the basis of the characteristics of the high fruit drop of the [...] Read more.

The poor adaptability of existing harvesting machinery and low work efficiency is observed due to the low-level mechanized harvesting of Xinjiang jujube orchards. A mechanical floor-standing jujube picker was designed on the basis of the characteristics of the high fruit drop of the Xinjiang jujube harvest period. The machine can pick up the jujubes, which have been manually collected into strips on the ground. The structure and working parameters of the pickup device are determined in accordance with the pickup principle. The conditions for satisfying the picking operation were analyzed, and the range of motion speed ratio parameters to meet the pickup operation was obtained. Furthermore, the contact process of jujubes on the conveying and separating device was analyzed and studied; the factors affecting the collision damage and conveying the balance of jujubes were analyzed; and the basic structural parameters of the conveying and separating devices were determined. A mechanical floor-standing jujube picker was also fabricated for trial. A three-factor and three-level Box– Behnken test was performed by taking the forward speed of the machine, the speed of the strip brush roller shaft, and the hole pitch height of the profiling rod as factors, and the pickup, breakage, and impurity rates of jujubes as indicators. Results show that when the forward speed of the machine was 0.3 m·s⁻¹, the speed of the strip brush roller shaft was 53 rpm and the hole pitch height of the profiling rod was 60 mm. The jujube pickup rate of the machine was 92.11%, the breakage rate was 2.07%, and the impurity rate was 4.15%. The relative error with the prediction model was less than 8%. Thus, the model is reliable and meets the operational requirements. This study can provide a reference for the mechanical floor-standing jujube picker. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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21 pages, 7765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Sweet Potato Transplanting Machine for Different Cultivation Systems in Northern China

by Hui Li, Tengfei He, Hu Liu, Song Shi, Baoqing Wang, Jilei Zhou, Xuechuan Liu, Guojian Wei and Rongfang Zhang

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081184 - 09 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2393

Abstract

China is the world’s biggest producer of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L). Lam.), and approximately 55% of the global supply is from China. Raised beds (RB) and raised beds mulched with plastic film (RBF) are the two main sweet potato cultivation systems [...] Read more.

China is the world’s biggest producer of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L). Lam.), and approximately 55% of the global supply is from China. Raised beds (RB) and raised beds mulched with plastic film (RBF) are the two main sweet potato cultivation systems now widely used in northern China. Planting placement of multiple nodes buried in shallow soil layers is additionally required for the sweet potato cultivation to achieve higher yields and reduce pests and diseases in this area, which increases the difficulty of transplanting mechanically. Therefore, a 2CGFS-2 compound sweet potato transplanter was developed, and the key parameters of slips transplanting apparatus were designed in this paper. Furthermore, its performance was investigated over two years under four treatments with different sweet potato varieties (Jishu 26 and Pushu 32) and cultivation systems (RBF and RB). The results showed that the missing seedling rate and qualified rate of transplanting population for each treatment by using 2CGFS-2 compound transplanter were <1.2% and >95.0% in both 2020 and 2021, while the mean values of the plant spacing variation coefficient and the qualified rate of transplanting depth during 2020–2021 were 4.53% and 96.28%, respectively. The length of the sweet potato slip inserted into the soil by the 2CGFS-2 compound sweet potato transplanter was almost the same, ca. 195 mm. The accurate placement of the sweet potato slips reduced the differences in tuber weight per plant caused by manual transplanting. These results are of considerable importance for RB and RBF sweet potato cultivation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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18 pages, 4281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parameters Optimization and Test of Caterpillar Self-Propelled Tiger Nut Harvester Hoisting Device

by Xun He, Yanliu Lv, Zhe Qu, Wanzhang Wang, Zheng Zhou and Hao He

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071060 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1906

Abstract

Aiming at the problem of a poor separation of tiger nut, soil and grass during harvest, a hoisting device consisting of a combined-type hoisting sieve, vibrating wheels and soil roller was designed in combination with the requirements of the planting and harvesting of [...] Read more.

Aiming at the problem of a poor separation of tiger nut, soil and grass during harvest, a hoisting device consisting of a combined-type hoisting sieve, vibrating wheels and soil roller was designed in combination with the requirements of the planting and harvesting of tiger nut. Through a theoretical analysis of the movement of the mixture of tiger nut, sand and grass in the process of hoisting, the basic law that affects the soil filter rate was determined, and the parameters affecting the soil-sieving rate were determined, and the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed and range of related parameters of vibrating wheels were obtained. Based on the DEM-MBD method, a simulation model of an excavating and hoisting device was built. With the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed, vibrating frequency and vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels as test factors, and the soil-sieving rate as test index, an orthogonal rotating-center combination test with four factors and three levels was carried out. The results showed that the influence of various factors on soil-sieving rate was as follows: vibrating frequency of vibrating wheels > linear hoist velocity > vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels > hoisting angle. When the vibrating frequency of the vibrating wheels was 9 Hz, the linear hoist speed was 0.66 m/s, vibrating amplitude of vibrating wheels was 25 mm and hoisting angle was 26°; the maximum value of the soil-sieving rate was 42.5%. The optimized parameters were applied to field test for verification, and the soil-sieving rate of the field test was 44.7%, which was better than the simulation test. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for design optimization and simulation analysis of tiger nut harvesters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 9363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Numerical Simulation of a Precision Strip-Hole Layered Fertilization Subsoiler While Sowing Maize

by Weiwei Wang, Jiale Song, Guoan Zhou, Longzhe Quan, Chunling Zhang and Liqing Chen

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070938 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

The traditional fertilizer application methods have serious problems of environmental pollution and soil degradation due to low utilization rates in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain of China. In this study, the conservation tillage strip-hole layered fertilization method was proposed and a precision strip-hole layered fertilizer [...] Read more.

The traditional fertilizer application methods have serious problems of environmental pollution and soil degradation due to low utilization rates in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain of China. In this study, the conservation tillage strip-hole layered fertilization method was proposed and a precision strip-hole layered fertilizer subsoiler was designed. To meet the requirements for deep tillage strip-hole layered fertilizer application, theoretical analysis and parameter calculations were first carried out on the fertilizer application type hole wheel, and then the main factors affecting the fertilizer application effect of a strip-hole layered fertilizer shovel were analyzed. The effect of forwarding speed, angle of fertilizer tube installation (AFT) and angle of unloading fertilizer (AUF) on the middle and lower layers of the fertilizer distribution length (FDT) and fertilization amount deviation stability coefficient (FADSC) was studied using the discrete element method (DEM). The three-factor three-level full-factors test design method was adopted. Simulation results showed that the FDT and the FADSC increased as the forward speed increased; the FDT decreased as the AFT and the AUF increased; an increased FADSC was observed at a middle angle of the AFT and the AUF. The minimum FADSC was obtained for a combination of parameters with a forward speed of 2 km/h, the AFT of 35° and the AUF of 60°, corresponding to the FADSC of 2.49% in the middle layer and 2.93% in the lower layer while satisfying the FDT condition. The results of the field trials showed that the FADSC was 11.36% and 12.42%, respectively, an increase of 8.87% and 9.49%, respectively, compared to the simulation results, validating the simulation model. The new way of fertilizer application methods and a theoretical basis were provided for the design of hole application machinery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 8786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experiment of Symmetrical Spiral Row-Sorting of the Straw Device Based on Kinematics Analysis

by Yunxiang Li, Caiyun Lu, Hongwen Li, Zhinan Wang, Zhen Gao, Xuyang Wei and Dong He

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070896 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

This paper designed a symmetrical spiral row-sorting of the straw device (SSRSD) under the condition that the no-till anti-blocking knife cut and chopped the straw to guarantee the machine’s passing capacity. The row-sorting blade (RB) of the symmetrical spiral mechanism (SSM) pushed the [...] Read more.

This paper designed a symmetrical spiral row-sorting of the straw device (SSRSD) under the condition that the no-till anti-blocking knife cut and chopped the straw to guarantee the machine’s passing capacity. The row-sorting blade (RB) of the symmetrical spiral mechanism (SSM) pushed the straw that fell into the straw hopper to the non-sowing area on both sides of the sowing belt and played the role of row-sorting the straw. Based on a theoretical analysis of the relationship between the material-bearing capacity limit of the SSM and the straw mulching quantity (SMQ) in the actual operating area, the critical parameters of the SSM and its value ranges were determined. The results show that the average straw removing rate (SRR) of the no-till planter with the SSRSD was 87.98%, and the passing capacity of the machine was great. Compared with the no-till planter without the SSRSD, the average SRR was increased by 20.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 6484 KiB

Open AccessReview

Study on the Technologies of Loss Reduction in Wheat Mechanization Harvesting: A Review

by Xu Chen, Xun He, Wanzhang Wang, Zhe Qu and Yuan Liu

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111935 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2871

Abstract

Wheat harvesting is one of the most important links in the whole wheat production process. In China, the wheat planting areas are wide, and the patterns are diversified. In addition, the problem of harvest losses caused by the numerous brands and low performance [...] Read more.

Wheat harvesting is one of the most important links in the whole wheat production process. In China, the wheat planting areas are wide, and the patterns are diversified. In addition, the problem of harvest losses caused by the numerous brands and low performance of domestic combine harvesters has always existed. Any losses during harvesting will result in less income for the farmers. Therefore, according to the actual situation of mechanized wheat harvesting and the losses occurring within different parts of the harvester, it is of great significance to select the appropriate loss reduction methods to effectively reduce wheat harvest losses. In accordance with the problems of loss during mechanized harvesting, this research first points out the main losses in the operation of a wheat combine harvester, then introduces sensor monitoring technology for grain harvesting loss and intelligent control technology for the combine harvester and analyzes their application to loss reduction in mechanized wheat harvesting. Finally, we put forward conclusions and suggestions on this loss reduction technology for wheat mechanization harvesting in order to provide a reference for reducing the losses and promoting the sustainable development of modern agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Farm Equipment for Field Management: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives)

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