Research

15 pages, 9418 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Assessment of a Deep Burial Destoning System of Agrarian Soils Alternative to the Stone Removal and On-Site Crushing

by Pietro Toscano, Maurizio Cutini, Giovanni Cabassi, Nicolò Pricca, Elio Romano and Carlo Bisaglia

AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 156-170; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010011 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2676

Abstract

Among its many functions, soil represents the active natural medium for plant growth. Different soils have various structural characteristics, that correspond to their qualitative parameters in terms of physical, chemical, and biological fertility. Because of their extremely slow formation processes, soils are also [...] Read more.

Among its many functions, soil represents the active natural medium for plant growth. Different soils have various structural characteristics, that correspond to their qualitative parameters in terms of physical, chemical, and biological fertility. Because of their extremely slow formation processes, soils are also a non-renewable resource, easily subject to degradative processes. Among their mineral constituents many agrarian soils present, in addition to the fine earth, variable percentages of coarse fractions in their arable layer, which interfere with the crop growth, requiring more energy to manage cultivation operations, and damaging the machinery up to making its use impractical. In these conditions, it becomes necessary to proceed with the soil destoning, particularly for the management of Precision Farming techniques. Depending on the percentages, sizes and types of coarse fractions, the soil destoning systems concern: (i) the collection and removal of stones from the field, (ii) the on-site stones crushing, and (iii) the stone burial. In this article, we report the first evaluation of a deep burial destoning system carried out in the CREA Experimental Center of Treviglio (Italy). With the described reclamation system, a significant long-term improvement of soil quality in a 600 mm thick arable layer was achieved; avoiding the shortcomings of the destoning systems as commonly applied in agricultural lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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16 pages, 2513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Vibrating Hydraulic Dredge for Striped Venus (Chamelea gallina) Fishing

by Giuseppina Mascilongo, Corrado Costa, Damianos Chatzievangelou, Daniele Pochi, Roberto Fanigliulo, Federica Di Giacinto, Ludovica Di Renzo, Carla Giansante, Nicola Ferri, Nicola D'Alterio, Claudio Costa and Marco L. Bianchini

AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 1-16; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010001 - 06 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2509

Abstract

This work proposes the experimentation of an innovative hydraulic dredge for clam fishing (Chamelea gallina) in the Adriatic Sea (Italy). This innovative gear aimed at increasing the selectivity of the typical hydraulic dredge used currently, while at the same reducing the [...] Read more.

This work proposes the experimentation of an innovative hydraulic dredge for clam fishing (Chamelea gallina) in the Adriatic Sea (Italy). This innovative gear aimed at increasing the selectivity of the typical hydraulic dredge used currently, while at the same reducing the impact on benthos through the conception, installation, and experimentation of innovative technological solutions, consisting mainly of a vibrating bottom panel on the dredge and a “warning device” on the dredge mouth. Comparative experiments of the traditional vs. the modified gear, employing two boats fishing in parallel on the northern coast of Abruzzi (Adriatic Sea) and contrasting the catch with both paired comparisons and through modelling, showed that the innovative hydraulic dredge retains fewer undersize clams while yielding similar amounts of commercial product, moreover of higher quality; at the same time, it takes on board less discard, and catches significantly less vagile fauna. In short, the innovative gear is gaining five times over a list of six parameters considered as positive and/or advantageous for the clam fishery. The results allow proposals of potential improvements to clam-fishing instruments to make the selection processes more effective while promoting a lower impacting fishery, which is essential for clam management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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11 pages, 11135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Lab-Scale Prototype for Validating an Innovative Pitting Method of Oil Olives

by Pietro Toscano, Maurizio Cutini, Luciana Di Giacinto, Maria Gabriella Di Serio and Carlo Bisaglia

AgriEngineering 2021, 3(3), 622-632; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3030040 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

In olive oil extraction processes, different operating methods used for the preparation of olive pastes significantly affect their rheological characteristics, as well as the extraction yields and qualitative characteristics of the oils. To enhance and improve the characteristics of high-quality EVOOs (Extra Virgin [...] Read more.

In olive oil extraction processes, different operating methods used for the preparation of olive pastes significantly affect their rheological characteristics, as well as the extraction yields and qualitative characteristics of the oils. To enhance and improve the characteristics of high-quality EVOOs (Extra Virgin Olive Oils), milling technologies have implemented olive pitting in the preparation of olive pastes to be processed for olive oil extraction. Commonly used pitting machines employ the percussion and centrifugal projection of drupes, which often involve the heating of pastes, breaking of kernels, and emulsion of oils. Aiming to improve olive oil pitting processes, the CREA Research Centre for Engineering and Agri-food Processing in Treviglio, Italy, has conceived an alternative method, which is based on the low-speed constriction and mutual abrasion of drupes inside a rotative working chamber. This paper describes the process that led to the hypothesis of an innovative pitting method and to the validation of the hypothesis through the development of a lab-scale pitter prototype. The development steps and the assessment of the results of the prototype trials are reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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9 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Conventional to Precision Fertilization: A Case Study on the Transition for a Small-Medium Farm

by Massimo Brambilla, Elio Romano, Pietro Toscano, Maurizio Cutini, Marcello Biocca, Chiara Ferré, Roberto Comolli and Carlo Bisaglia

AgriEngineering 2021, 3(2), 438-446; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3020029 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3206

Abstract

At the CREA research facility of Treviglio (Bergamo, Italy), to provide farmers with valuable hints for the transition from conventional to precision agriculture, information on crop production dynamics (Maize and Triticale) has been obtained using real-time soil mapping (resistivity technique) and production quality [...] Read more.

At the CREA research facility of Treviglio (Bergamo, Italy), to provide farmers with valuable hints for the transition from conventional to precision agriculture, information on crop production dynamics (Maize and Triticale) has been obtained using real-time soil mapping (resistivity technique) and production quality and quantity monitoring with a commercial yield mapping apparatus. The geostatistical processing of data resulted in the same zoning for Triticale, meaning that the characteristics of soil influenced crop behavior more than the variability resulting from other factors, which suggests that improvements in product yields can be planned and achieved acting, for instance, on variable rate distribution of fertilizers. The importance of the acquired data can help farmers to manage factors that are external to their plots of land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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20 pages, 15525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design, Development, and Performance Evaluation of a Power-Operated Jute Fiber Extraction Machine

by Md. Rejaul Karim, Muhammad Arshadul Hoque, Alamgir Chawdhury, Faruk-Ul-Islam, Sharif Ahmed, Ayman EL Sabagh and Akbar Hossain

AgriEngineering 2021, 3(2), 403-422; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3020027 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5645

Abstract

Jute is the golden fiber of Bangladesh, but its production is declining due to the involvement of higher production and processing costs, where a major portion of the cost is needed for fiber extraction. Labor unavailability and increasing labor cost have led to [...] Read more.

Jute is the golden fiber of Bangladesh, but its production is declining due to the involvement of higher production and processing costs, where a major portion of the cost is needed for fiber extraction. Labor unavailability and increasing labor cost have led to higher jute fiber production cost. To address these issues, this study looks at the development of a power-operated and cost-effective fiber extraction machine aiming at reducing the production cost. The study was conducted at the Rangpur regional office premises of Practical Action in Bangladesh, and the developed machine was branded as “Aashkol”, which had the following major parts: a feeding tray, a primary extraction roller, a secondary extraction roller, grabbing rollers, fiber collection stand, base frame, protection cover, and a spring-loaded tray under the primary extraction roller. The Aashkol can extract green ribbon from the jute stem, but jute sticks were broken down into smaller pieces (3–6 cm). The performance evaluation of the machine was conducted using different types of jute (Deshi, Kenaf, and Tossa) and compared with another jute extraction machine (KP model, introduced by Karupannya Rangpur Ltd.). The Aashkol-based extraction and improved retting systems were also evaluated and compared with traditional jute extraction systems. The jute stem input capacity (4.99 t h⁻¹) of the Aashkol was 47.6% higher than the KP model (3.38 t h⁻¹). Compared with the traditional system, across jute types, the Aashkol produced a 9% higher fiber yield and saved 46% retting time. Overall, the Aashkol reduced 90% of the labor requirement and saved 11.6 USD t⁻¹ in jute fiber extraction and retting than the traditional method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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10 pages, 8681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Drift-Reducing Nozzles for Pesticide Application in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

by Marcello Biocca, Maurizio Cutini, Elio Romano, Federico Pallottino and Pietro Gallo

AgriEngineering 2021, 3(2), 230-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3020015 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

Spraying pesticides using air induction nozzles is a well-known method to reduce drift. These drift-reducing nozzles have been tested on many different tree crops (such as apples, citrus, and grapes), but we are still lacking information on their utilization on hazelnut (Corylus [...] Read more.

Spraying pesticides using air induction nozzles is a well-known method to reduce drift. These drift-reducing nozzles have been tested on many different tree crops (such as apples, citrus, and grapes), but we are still lacking information on their utilization on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) groves, although hazelnut is a major nut crop in Italy, and in recent years its cultivated area has been constantly growing. This paper reports a comparison between treatments carried out with cone and flat-fan low-drift nozzles versus two conventional nozzles. The distribution quality, the number of droplets per cm² of the target area, and the drift in non-target trees adjacent to those treated were evaluated by analyzing the impact of the droplets on water-sensitive papers placed on the tree canopies. The results show that because no significative differences in terms of application quality were found between the tested nozzles, low-drift nozzles can be a good alternative to the standard nozzles to reduce the drift of pesticide applications in hazelnuts without altering the chosen distribution of the pesticide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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10 pages, 4045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Evaluation of Heat Transfer Inside a Diseased Citrus Tree during Heat Treatment

by Shirin Ghatrehsamani, Yiannis Ampatzidis, John K. Schueller and Reza Ehsani

AgriEngineering 2021, 3(1), 19-28; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3010002 - 13 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3935

Abstract

Heat treatment has been applied in previous studies to treat diseased plants and trees affected by heat-sensitive pathogens. Huanglongbing (HLB) is a heat-sensitive pathogen and the optimal temperature–time for treating HLB-affected citrus trees was estimated to be 54 °C for 60 to 120 [...] Read more.

Heat treatment has been applied in previous studies to treat diseased plants and trees affected by heat-sensitive pathogens. Huanglongbing (HLB) is a heat-sensitive pathogen and the optimal temperature–time for treating HLB-affected citrus trees was estimated to be 54 °C for 60 to 120 s from indoor experimental studies. However, utilizing this method in orchards is difficult due to technical difficulties to effectively apply heat. Recently, a mobile thermotherapy system (MTS) was developed to in-field treat HLB-affected trees. This mobile device includes a canopy cover that covers the diseased tree and a system to supply steam under the cover to treat the tree. It was proven that the temperature inside the canopy cover can reach the desired one (i.e., 54 °C) to kill bacteria. However, for HLB, the heat should penetrate the tree’s phloem where the bacteria live. Therefore, measuring the heat penetration inside the tree is very critical to evaluate the performance of the MTS. In this study, a heat transfer model was developed to simulate the heat penetration inside the tree and predict the temperature in the phloem of the diseased tree during the in-field heat treatment. The simulation results were compared with in-field experimental measurements. The heat transfer model was developed by a comparative analysis of the experimental data using the ANSYS software. Results showed that the temperature in the phloem was 10–40% lower than the temperature near the surface of the bark. Simulation results were consistent with experimental results, with an average relative error of less than 5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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11 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Testing of a Low-Cost Belt-and-Roller Machine for Spheroid Fruit Sorting

by Vahid Farzand Ahmadi, Peyman Ziyaee, Pourya Bazyar and Eugenio Cavallo

AgriEngineering 2020, 2(4), 596-606; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering2040040 - 04 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5484

Abstract

Sorting is one of the most critical factors in the marketing development of fruit and vegetable and should be performed without any damage to the product. This article reports results of the development and testing of a prototype of a low-cost mechanical spherical [...] Read more.

Sorting is one of the most critical factors in the marketing development of fruit and vegetable and should be performed without any damage to the product. This article reports results of the development and testing of a prototype of a low-cost mechanical spherical fruit sorter based on a belt-and-roller device built at the State University of Tabriz, Iran. The efficiency and damage effect of the prototype of the machine was tested at different sorting rates on apples (Red Delicious and Golden Delicious) and oranges. Performance tests indicated that the speed of the feeding belt and transporting belt as well as the spherical coefficient significantly affect the machine’s sizing performance and damages. The results of the test showed a 95.28% and 92.48% accuracy in sorting for Red Delicious and Golden Delicious, respectively, and 94.28% for orange. Furthermore, the machine sorts fruits without any significant damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of New Technological Solutions in Agriculture)

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