Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing

A special issue of AgriEngineering (ISSN 2624-7402). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6863

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Rural Engineering and Agricultural Mechanization Department, College of Agricultural Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Av. Universitária, 3780, Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil
Interests: tractor, machinery and tire performance and tests; soil compaction researches; agriculture of future; controlled machinery traffic

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Guest Editor
School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av. Candido Rondon, 501, Barão Geraldo, Campinas 13083-875, Brazil
Interests: agricultural machinery design; robotics in agriculture; agricultural machinery tests

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Guest Editor
Rural Engineering Department, Centre of Agricultural Sciences, Santa Catarina Federal University, Itacorubi Neighborhood, Rod. Admar Conzaga, 1346, Florianópolis 88034-001, SC, Brazil
Interests: machine development; tractor tests

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first tests of agricultural machines were carried out by official institutions accredited by the US government in 1919. These tests have been instrumental in the modernization of agriculture, aiming for greater efficiency, comfort, durability, and safety of agricultural machines.

Other benefits of testing include enabling greater versatility and better quality of operations through the introduction of new technologies. These technologies make rural work more attractive by increasing machine performance, resulting in greater productivity on farms compared to manual labor.

With greater emphasis on sustainability, it is essential to have agricultural machines that meet the requirements of official institutions. One of the main concerns is the energy efficiency of these machines, as well as the economy of human resources and inputs. In this context, the testing of agricultural machines is essential to obtain information and data that can be translated into practical knowledge to optimize energy consumption, inputs, and human resources.

Therefore, this Special Issue of AgriEngineering aims to present the state of the art in this area of knowledge related to testing agricultural machinery. It includes updated bibliographical reviews adhering to the theme, as well as scientific articles presenting innovative results.

Dr. Kléber Pereira Lanças
Prof. Dr. Daniel Albiero
Prof. Dr. Alberto Kazushi Nagaoka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. AgriEngineering is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • tractor, machinery and tire tests
  • energy efficiency
  • field capacity
  • ergonomy
  • machinery and field efficiency
  • fuel and energy consumption
  • operational field quality
  • robotics
  • GPS
  • farming 4.0
  • farm of future

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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25 pages, 6792 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Function Novel Crop Seeder for the Management of Residues and Mechanized Sowing of Wheat in a Single Path
by Muhammad Usama Yaseen, Shahzad Ahmad, Maqsood Ahmad, John M. Long, Hafiz Ali Raza, Hassan Iftekhar, Sikander Ameer and Dabira Ogunbiyi
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2445-2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030143 - 26 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 975
Abstract
The handling of the remnants of rice crops in the field is not an easy operation, and farmers prefer burning, which causes air pollution, smog, and disease. This research reports the development of a novel precision crop seeder by handling the remnants of [...] Read more.
The handling of the remnants of rice crops in the field is not an easy operation, and farmers prefer burning, which causes air pollution, smog, and disease. This research reports the development of a novel precision crop seeder by handling the remnants of previous crops through mechanization. The precision seeder performed multiple operations in a single path, viz, chop residues, incorporate into soil, make mini trenches, and sow wheat with fertilizer application. The precision seeder has a 2040 mm working width, and specially designed C-type blades are used to shred the crop residue. A multiple-speed gearbox with a gear ratio of 1:0.52 is installed, with a further set of spur gears with 16, 18, and 20 teeth that provide 225, 250, 310, and 350 RPMs to the main rotor. In the middle of the seeder, after the main rotor shaft, 11 V-shaped trencher plates are fixed on the trencher roller for the making of trenches. The trencher roller is powered by star wheels, which showed good results. A zero-tillage-type sharp tip edge novel seeder unit was developed for the precise placement of seed and fertilizer. Seed and fertilizer were placed into the mini trenches through 11 seeder units through a ground wheel calibration system. The field capacity of the precision seeder was 0.408 ha/h and the operational cost was calculated 40.68 USD/ha. The seeder showed good results, with the production of 5028 kg/ha compared to conventional methods. The precision seeder provides a mechanized solution for wheat sowing with minimal operational costs by enhancing organic matter in soil with 13% more yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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10 pages, 3691 KiB  
Article
Spray Deposition and Losses to Soil from a Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Airblast Sprayer on Coffee
by João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da Cunha, Luana de Lima Lopes, Caio Oliveira Rodrigues Alves and Cleyton Batista de Alvarenga
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2385-2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030139 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 657
Abstract
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) have been increasingly used for crop protection in coffee plantations. However, the applications can result in low spray deposition on leaves and higher product losses between rows compared to ground airblast sprayers. This study aimed to evaluate the spray [...] Read more.
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) have been increasingly used for crop protection in coffee plantations. However, the applications can result in low spray deposition on leaves and higher product losses between rows compared to ground airblast sprayers. This study aimed to evaluate the spray deposition on the coffee canopy and potential losses to the soil during application with an RPA and an airblast sprayer at varying spray volumes. The experiment comprised four spray treatments: RPA at 10 L ha−1 and 20 L ha−1, and airblast sprayer at 200 L ha−1 and 300 L ha−1. Leaf deposition was quantified by measuring a tracer on leaves from the lower and upper parts of the coffee canopy using spectrophotometry. Spray losses to the soil were measured by analyzing tracer residues on Petri dishes positioned within the inter-rows and beneath the coffee canopy. Statistical process control was used to analyze spray deposition quality in the study area. Ground-based airblast spraying resulted in the highest overall canopy deposition, while RPA spraying led to greater losses within the inter-rows. No significant difference was observed in spray runoff beneath the canopy between ground-based and aerial applications. Leaf deposition exhibited random variability across all application methods. Therefore, application stability, control, and spray quality standards were maintained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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15 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Modification and Performance Evaluation of a Biomass Pelleting Machine
by Simeon Olatayo Jekayinfa, Folorunso Adegboyega Ola, Fatai Bukola Akande, Mutairu Abiola Adesokan and Ibrahim Akinola Abdulsalam
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2214-2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030130 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 758
Abstract
The use of biomass as a source of energy has been identified to be energy intensive, involving high handling costs. However, pelletization reduces the bulk density of biomass, thereby reducing the handling costs and enhancing ease of use. This study modified and evaluated [...] Read more.
The use of biomass as a source of energy has been identified to be energy intensive, involving high handling costs. However, pelletization reduces the bulk density of biomass, thereby reducing the handling costs and enhancing ease of use. This study modified and evaluated an existing hand-operated fish feed pelleting machine. The parts of the machine that were redesigned were the hopper and the power transmission unit. Corncob was used to evaluate the modified machine using the die hole diameter (5, 6 and 7 mm) and the binder quantity (0, 2.5 and 5 wt%) as factors. The average results obtained for machine efficiency, throughput, pellet length and bulk density were 58.83%, 4.24 kg/h, 15.51 mm and 0.160 g/cm3, respectively. The die hole diameter had a significant effect on the pellet length only. The binder quantity had a significant effect on machine efficiency, throughput and pellet length. Machine efficiency and throughput decreased as the quantity of binder increased, and the pellet length increased with the increasing quantity of binder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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15 pages, 5017 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Impact of Speed and Tire Pressure of a Wheel Tractor on Soil Properties: A Case Study in Northeastern Uzbekistan
by Adilbek Akhmetov, Sherzodbek Akhmedov and Javlonbek Ishchanov
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2067-2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030121 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1008
Abstract
In agriculture, machines engaged in various agrotechnical activities and operations have different impacts on the soil. The effect of mechanization is primarily reflected in two indicators: soil density and hardness. At the same time, considering the direct dependence of tractive resistance on soil [...] Read more.
In agriculture, machines engaged in various agrotechnical activities and operations have different impacts on the soil. The effect of mechanization is primarily reflected in two indicators: soil density and hardness. At the same time, considering the direct dependence of tractive resistance on soil hardness in processing machines and sprayers, we studied subsequent changes in the soil in the path of wheels affected by the soil after the passage of four-wheeled and three-wheeled tractors. We also examined various atmospheric pressures in the tractor’s tires and the impact of different types of tires on soil compaction and traction. The studies showed that to reduce the compression impact on the soil of four-wheeled tractor working systems during certain technical operations, it is necessary to choose the maximum permissible travel speed and the minimum air pressure in the tires specified in the technical conditions. This approach helps to decrease soil compaction and maintain its structure. Additionally, it was found that three-wheeled tractors exert less pressure on the soil compared to four-wheeled ones, which should also be considered when selecting equipment for different agrotechnical tasks. Optimizing tire pressure and tractor speed is crucial for minimizing negative soil impact and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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13 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Controlled Traffic Farm: Fuel Demand and Carbon Emissions in Soybean Sowing
by Murilo Battistuzzi Martins, Aldir Carpes Marques Filho, Cássio de Castro Seron, Wellingthon da Silva Guimarães Júnnyor, Eduardo Pradi Vendruscolo, Fernanda Pacheco de Almeida Prado Bortolheiro, Diego Miguel Blanco Bertolo, Arthur Gabriel Caldas Lopes and Lucas Santos Santana
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1794-1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020104 - 18 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 734
Abstract
Soil compaction between crop rows can increase a machine’s performance by reducing rolling resistance and fuel demand. Controlled Traffic Farm (CTF) stands out among modern techniques for increasing agricultural sustainability because the machines continuously travel along the same path in the field, reducing [...] Read more.
Soil compaction between crop rows can increase a machine’s performance by reducing rolling resistance and fuel demand. Controlled Traffic Farm (CTF) stands out among modern techniques for increasing agricultural sustainability because the machines continuously travel along the same path in the field, reducing plant crush and compacting the soil in the traffic line. This study evaluated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at different CTF intensities in different soil management strategies for soybean crop. The experimental design involved randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme with four replications. The plots constituted the three types of soil management: conventional tillage, no-tillage with straw millet cover, and no-tillage with brachiária straw cover. The subplots constituted for agricultural tractors were passed over in traffic lines (2, 4, and 8 times). We evaluated agricultural tractor fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and soybean productivity. The straw cover and tractor-pass significantly affected the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the soybean cultivation. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were reduced due to the machine-pass increase, regardless of soil management. Thus, a CTF reduces rolling resistance and increases crop environmental efficiency. Bare-soil areas increased by 20.8% and 27.9% with respect to fuel consumption, compared to straw-cover systems. Brachiária straw and millet reduce CO2 emissions per hectare by 20% and 28% compared to bare soil. Lower traffic intensities (two passes) showed (13.72%) higher soybean yields (of 4.04 Mg ha−1). Investigating these effects in other types of soil and mechanized operations then becomes essential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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10 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
Chemical Control of Coffee Berry Borer Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under Different Operating Conditions
by João Paulo Arantes Rodrigues da Cunha, Luana de Lima Lopes and Cleyton Batista de Alvarenga
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1639-1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020093 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1006
Abstract
The application of pesticides using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown, but there is a lack of information to support more efficient applications. Using a DJI AGRAS-MG-1P octocopter equipped with different spray tips, this study sought to explore spray deposition (leaves and fruit) [...] Read more.
The application of pesticides using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown, but there is a lack of information to support more efficient applications. Using a DJI AGRAS-MG-1P octocopter equipped with different spray tips, this study sought to explore spray deposition (leaves and fruit) and efficacy of chlorpyrifos on control of coffee berry borer at different spray volumes and flight heights. The study was conducted in an Arabica coffee plantation. The study consisted of eight treatments and four replications in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme: two flight heights (1.5 and 3.0 m), two spray tips (hollow cone and flat fan), and two spray volumes (10 and 15 L ha−1). Deposition was assessed by detecting a tracer in the coffee leaves and fruit using spectrophotometry. The coffee berry borer-control efficacy trial was conducted in two areas by evaluating the percentage of damaged fruit 60 days after two insecticide applications. The flight height of 1.5 m promoted higher spray deposition on leaves and fruit and a lower incidence of damaged fruit. Flat fan spray tips resulted in higher spray deposition on the leaves, not interfering with the deposition on fruit or the coffee berry borer control. Increasing the spray volume from 10 to 15 L ha−1 did not increase spray deposition on coffee leaves and fruit. Chlorpyrifos applied via UAVs reduced the incidence of coffee berry borer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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20 pages, 3822 KiB  
Systematic Review
Agricultural Tractor Test: A Bibliometric Review
by Kléber Pereira Lanças, Aldir Carpes Marques Filho, Lucas Santos Santana, Gabriel Araújo e Silva Ferraz, Rafael Oliveira Faria and Murilo Battistuzzi Martins
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 2229-2248; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030131 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Agricultural tractors are an essential agricultural power source. Therefore, the scientific literature tests have described agricultural tractors’ evolution over time and determined future trends. This paper uses bibliometric tools to assess the agricultural evolution of tractor testing from 1969 to 2022 to ascertain [...] Read more.
Agricultural tractors are an essential agricultural power source. Therefore, the scientific literature tests have described agricultural tractors’ evolution over time and determined future trends. This paper uses bibliometric tools to assess the agricultural evolution of tractor testing from 1969 to 2022 to ascertain the publication’s scientific perspective on operational, ergonomic, and energy performance. We searched for relevant research in the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The data were processed in RStudio software version 4.4.1, and we used elaborated bibliometric maps to research evolution, major journals, studies, countries, and keywords. The first research mainly concerned the development of new wheelsets, more efficient engines, and fuel consumption prediction models. After the 2000s, environmental protocols contributed to increasing publications on biofuels and renewable energies. Recently, an intense process of robotization in autonomous vehicles has improved to allow the replacement of combustion engines. Ergonomics and safety have been less recurrent topics in recent years, indicating a stable level in the actual research. New machine control models involving artificial intelligence are currently applied to obtain test results without using the machine in the field. These virtual models reduce costs and optimize resources. The most common terms were “tractor” and “agricultural machinery”. The terms “Electric tractor”, “agricultural robots”, and “Matlab” indicate solid trends for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Agricultural Machinery Testing)
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