Agriculture

Research

17 pages, 8715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Simulation of a Combined Trencher for Transverse Sugarcane Planter

by Biao Zhang, Xinsan Yang and Yingying Zhu

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081416 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 363

The trencher design of the pre-cut transverse sugarcane planter is the basis for realizing deep planting and shallow burial. Aimed at the problems of insufficient seeding space provided by furrows and high resistance to trenching, a structural configuration of a combined trencher suitable [...] Read more.

The trencher design of the pre-cut transverse sugarcane planter is the basis for realizing deep planting and shallow burial. Aimed at the problems of insufficient seeding space provided by furrows and high resistance to trenching, a structural configuration of a combined trencher suitable for transverse cane planting agronomy was proposed to improve the stability, simplicity, and efficiency of trenching. The collaborative operations of components such as the soil lifting of the leak-proof plow, the soil fragmentation and throwing of the double-disc rotary tiller, the rebound of the fender, the lateral diversion of the furrowing plow, and the motion control of the double rocker arms were comprehensively utilized. The trenching principle of using double-sided guards to block soil backfilling to form a seeding space was applied, as well as pre-side diversion to reduce the forward resistance of plow surfaces. The simulation of the trenching process showed that the combined trencher was available in terms of soil particle transfer and dynamic space-forming capabilities, and the stress distribution of the advancing plow surface was analyzed. Moreover, based on the minimum resistance characteristics, the optimal spacing between the rotary tiller and the furrowing plow and the blade arrangement mode were configured, and the structural parameters of the furrowing plow were optimized to include a soil penetration angle of 20°, an oblique cutting angle of 75°, and a curvature radius of 280 mm. Field experiments have proven that the soil entry movement trajectory, the length and width of the accessible seed placement space, and the average planting depth of cane seeds could all achieve respective design anticipations of the combined trencher. The measured trenching resistance was 7609.7 N, with an error of 22.2% from the predicted value under the same configuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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22 pages, 22462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Cluster Hole Effect and Performance Testing of Air-Suction Quinoa Seed Metering Device

by Xuan Zhao, Rongrong Liu, Fei Liu, Hongbin Bai and Wenxue Dong

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081391 - 17 Aug 2024

Viewed by 553

Abstract

Quinoa and other small-seeded crops possess relatively diminutive seed diameters, rendering them highly susceptible to the influence of airflow. The seeding process is impacted by the Cluster Hole Effect, where seeds are unintentionally drawn into areas between the suction holes. This leads to [...] Read more.

Quinoa and other small-seeded crops possess relatively diminutive seed diameters, rendering them highly susceptible to the influence of airflow. The seeding process is impacted by the Cluster Hole Effect, where seeds are unintentionally drawn into areas between the suction holes. This leads to multiple seeds being picked up at once, making it difficult to meet the precise seeding requirements for quinoa. To delve deeper into the mechanism of the cluster hole effects, this study focused on quinoa seeds as the primary research subject. This study analyzes the migration conditions of seed population suction and establishes an equation for seed suction considering the cluster hole effect. CFD methods were employed to analyze the impact of various vacuum chamber negative pressures, suction hole spacing, and suction hole quantities on the suction flow field. By combining simulation results with evaluation criteria such as the qualification rate of seeds per hole, the qualification rate of hole spacing, empty hole rate, and hole spacing coefficient of variation, single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken response surface experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of different factors and their interactions, ultimately determining an optimal parameter combination. The results indicate that with five suction holes, spaced at D11, a vacuum pressure of 1.2 kPa, and a rotation speed of 15 rpm, the seeding performance is optimal. The qualification rate of seeds per hole reaches 98.67%, the qualification rate of hole spacing is 96%, and the hole spacing coefficient of variation is 5.24%, meeting agricultural requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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22 pages, 5693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experimental Study of a Cleaning Device for Edible Sunflower Harvesting

by Xingyu Yang, Xiaoxiao Sun, Bin Li, Yang Liu, Shiguo Wang, Xiaolong Gao and Yuncheng Dong

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081344 - 11 Aug 2024

Viewed by 624

Abstract

Existing cleaning devices for edible sunflower have a low cleaning efficiency, high cleaning loss rate, and high impurity rate; therefore, a wind-sieve-type cleaning device for edible sunflower harvesting was designed. According to the characteristics of dislodged objects, a vibrating screen for the device [...] Read more.

Existing cleaning devices for edible sunflower have a low cleaning efficiency, high cleaning loss rate, and high impurity rate; therefore, a wind-sieve-type cleaning device for edible sunflower harvesting was designed. According to the characteristics of dislodged objects, a vibrating screen for the device was designed, and the dislodged edible sunflower objects in the device were used for a mechanical analysis of the force conditions to determine the displacement of the different edible sunflower objects dislodged by the action of airflow. Using FLUENT-DEM gas–solid coupling simulation technology, the velocity of the flow field, the velocity vector, and the trajectory of the dislodged objects inside the cleaning device were analyzed, and the law of motion applied to the airflow and the dislodged objects inside the device was clarified. According to the results of the coupled simulation analysis, the key factors affecting the operation of the cleaning device were wind speed, vibration frequency, and amplitude. Based on the key factors of wind speed, vibration frequency, and amplitude, an orthogonal rotary combination test was carried out with the loss rate and impurity rate of cleaned grains as the evaluation indexes, and the test parameters were optimized to obtain the optimal combination of operating parameters of the device, which were as follows: wind speed: 30 m·s⁻¹; vibration frequency: 8.44 Hz; and amplitude: 41.35 mm. With this combination of parameters, the seed loss rate and impurity rate reached 3.47% and 6.17%, respectively. Based on the optimal combination of operating parameters, a validation test was performed, and the results of this test were compared with the results of the test bench using this combination of parameters. The results show that the relative errors of the loss rate and impurity rate between the bench test and the simulation test were 3.45% and 3.07%, respectively, which are less than 5%, proving the reliability of the simulation analysis and the reasonableness of the design of the test bench. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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22 pages, 5458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Obstacle Avoidance Harvesting Path Planning Method for Apple-Harvesting Robot Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm

by Bin Yan, Jianglin Quan and Wenhui Yan

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081336 - 10 Aug 2024

Viewed by 558

Abstract

The cultivation model for spindle-shaped apple trees is widely used in modern standard apple orchards worldwide and represents the direction of modern apple industry development. However, without an effective obstacle avoidance path, the robotic arm is prone to collision with obstacles such as [...] Read more.

The cultivation model for spindle-shaped apple trees is widely used in modern standard apple orchards worldwide and represents the direction of modern apple industry development. However, without an effective obstacle avoidance path, the robotic arm is prone to collision with obstacles such as fruit tree branches during the picking process, which may damage fruits and branches and even affect the healthy growth of fruit trees. To address the above issues, a three-dimensional path -planning algorithm for full-field fruit obstacle avoidance harvesting for spindle-shaped fruit trees, which are widely planted in modern apple orchards, is proposed in this study. Firstly, based on three typical tree structures of spindle-shaped apple trees (free spindle, high spindle, and slender spindle), a three-dimensional spatial model of fruit tree branches was established. Secondly, based on the grid environment representation method, an obstacle map of the apple tree model was established. Then, the initial pheromones were improved by non-uniform distribution on the basis of the original ant colony algorithm. Furthermore, the updating rules of pheromones were improved, and a biomimetic optimization mechanism was integrated with the beetle antenna algorithm to improve the speed and stability of path searching. Finally, the planned path was smoothed using a cubic B-spline curve to make the path smoother and avoid unnecessary pauses or turns during the harvesting process of the robotic arm. Based on the proposed improved ACO algorithm (ant colony optimization algorithm), obstacle avoidance 3D path planning simulation experiments were conducted for three types of spindle-shaped apple trees. The results showed that the success rates of obstacle avoidance path planning were higher than 96%, 86%, and 92% for free-spindle-shaped, high-spindle-shaped, and slender-spindle-shaped trees, respectively. Compared with traditional ant colony algorithms, the average planning time was decreased by 49.38%, 46.33%, and 51.03%, respectively. The proposed improved algorithm can effectively achieve three-dimensional path planning for obstacle avoidance picking, thereby providing technical support for the development of intelligent apple picking robots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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19 pages, 5270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transmission Characteristics and Experiment of Hydraulic–Mechanical Transmission of Cotton Picker

by Huajun Chen, Meng Wang, Xiangdong Ni, Xiangchao Meng, Wenqing Cai, Yiqing Li, Baoyu Zhai, Hongbin He and Yuyang Wang

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081250 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 574

Abstract

To overcome the issue of unstable speed output encountered by cotton pickers operating in harsh environments and subject to frequent external load fluctuations, a hydraulic–mechanical transmission (HMT) for cotton pickers is proposed in this study. By analyzing the driving system of the cotton [...] Read more.

To overcome the issue of unstable speed output encountered by cotton pickers operating in harsh environments and subject to frequent external load fluctuations, a hydraulic–mechanical transmission (HMT) for cotton pickers is proposed in this study. By analyzing the driving system of the cotton picker, a Lavira-based HMT scheme is developed. The matching characteristics of the HMT speed ratio are analyzed, a continuity and smoothness test of the speed ratio of the changing segment is carried out, and the influence law of smoothness of the HMT changing segment is discussed. The results show that the HMT system effectively satisfies the driving speed requirements for both field harvesting and road transportation of cotton pickers. The HMT speed ratio is continuously controllable and the design is reasonable. The HMT load torque and the oil pressure in the main oil circuit have a significant impact on the smoothness indicators of speed reduction and dynamic load. Additionally, the flow rate of the governor valve has a notable effect on the smoothness indicator of sliding friction power. However, the engine’s output speed has no significant influence on the HMT’s smoothness. This research can provide theoretical support for the development and design of cotton picker gearboxes and the transmission characteristics and experimental research of off-road vehicle gearboxes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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17 pages, 56978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TCNet: Transformer Convolution Network for Cutting-Edge Detection of Unharvested Rice Regions

by Yukun Yang, Jie He, Pei Wang, Xiwen Luo, Runmao Zhao, Peikui Huang, Ruitao Gao, Zhaodi Liu, Yaling Luo and Lian Hu

Agriculture 2024, 14(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071122 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 577

Abstract

Cutting-edge detection is a critical step in mechanized rice harvesting. Through visual cutting-edge detection, an algorithm can sense in real-time whether the rice harvesting process is along the cutting-edge, reducing loss and improving the efficiency of mechanized harvest. Although convolutional neural network-based models, [...] Read more.

Cutting-edge detection is a critical step in mechanized rice harvesting. Through visual cutting-edge detection, an algorithm can sense in real-time whether the rice harvesting process is along the cutting-edge, reducing loss and improving the efficiency of mechanized harvest. Although convolutional neural network-based models, which have strong local feature acquisition ability, have been widely used in rice production, these models involve large receptive fields only in the deep network. Besides, a self-attention-based Transformer can effectively provide global features to complement the disadvantages of CNNs. Hence, to quickly and accurately complete the task of cutting-edge detection in a complex rice harvesting environment, this article develops a Transformer Convolution Network (TCNet). This cutting-edge detection algorithm combines the Transformer with a CNN. Specifically, the Transformer realizes a patch embedding through a 3 × 3 convolution, and the output is employed as the input of the Transformer module. Additionally, the multi-head attention in the Transformer module undergoes dimensionality reduction to reduce overall network computation. In the Feed-forward network, a 7 × 7 convolution operation is used to realize the position-coding of different patches. Moreover, CNN uses depth-separable convolutions to extract local features from the images. The global features extracted by the Transformer and the local features extracted by the CNN are integrated into the fusion module. The test results demonstrated that TCNet could segment 97.88% of the Intersection over Union and 98.95% of the Accuracy in the unharvested region, and the number of parameters is only 10.796M. Cutting-edge detection is better than common lightweight backbone networks, achieving the detection effect of deep convolutional networks (ResNet-50) with fewer parameters. The proposed TCNet shows the advantages of a Transformer combined with a CNN and provides real-time and reliable reference information for the subsequent operation of rice harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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18 pages, 13935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Testing of Pre-Cut Sugarcane Seed Stalk Sawing Performance Parameters

by Bin Yan, Haitao Liu, Fengguang He, Ganran Deng, Shuang Zheng, Zhende Cui, Sili Zhou, Ye Dai, Xilin Wang, Shuangmei Qin, Guojie Li, Ling Li and Bin Li

Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060953 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 781

Abstract

Sugarcane is an important economic crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Presawing planting is an important method for achieving automated and precise planting with sugarcane planting machines. The sawing process is a key stage in planting management, affecting not only the germination and [...] Read more.

Sugarcane is an important economic crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Presawing planting is an important method for achieving automated and precise planting with sugarcane planting machines. The sawing process is a key stage in planting management, affecting not only the germination and survival rates of sugarcane, but also reflecting the mechanical performance of sawing. To reduce the peak sawing force and enhance the sawing surface quality of sugarcane seedlings, this study utilized a central composite experimental design method. Single-factor and multi-factor experiments were conducted with a specially designed sugarcane stalk sawing experimental rig to investigate the impact of factors such as the stalk diameter feeding speed, and sawing speed on the peak sawing force and sawing surface quality. Upon being developed and validated, multivariate mathematical regression models elucidated the relationships among these factors. The experimental results showed that the order of influence of each factor on the peak sawing force was the stalk diameter, feed speed, and sawing speed, while for the sawing surface quality, the sequence was the sawing speed, stalk diameter, and feed speed. Correspondingly, the determination coefficients for the peak sawing force and sawing surface quality prediction models were 0.9708 and 0.9675. With a maximum error of 7.6% for the peak sawing force and an average relative error of 7.1%, and a maximum error of 3.5% for the sawing surface quality and an average relative error of 2.83%, the calculated results from the regression models were in good agreement with the experimental findings. This indicates that the models are capable of quickly and accurately predicting the peak sawing force and sawing surface quality of sugarcane stalks under different conditions. The research findings provide valuable insights for the development and optimization of sugarcane stalk presawing equipment and related experimental studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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26 pages, 8560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on a Variable Universe Control Method and the Performance of Large Sprayer Active Suspension Based on an Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm–Back Propagation Fuzzy Neural Network

by Fan Yang, Lei Liu, Yanan Zhang, Yuefeng Du, Enrong Mao, Zhongxiang Zhu and Zhen Li

Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060811 - 23 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 588

Abstract

In view of the typical requirements of large high-clearance sprayers, such as those operating in poor road conditions for farmland plant protection and at high operation speeds, reducing the vibration of sprayer suspension systems has become a research hotspot. In this study, the [...] Read more.

In view of the typical requirements of large high-clearance sprayers, such as those operating in poor road conditions for farmland plant protection and at high operation speeds, reducing the vibration of sprayer suspension systems has become a research hotspot. In this study, the hydro-pneumatic suspension (HPS) of large high-clearance sprayers was taken as the object, and a variable universe T-S fuzzy controller with real vehicle vibration data as input was proposed to control suspension motion in real time. Different from traditional semi-active suspension, based on the characteristics of variable universe extension factors, a training method combining the artificial fish swarm algorithm and the back propagation algorithm was used to establish a fuzzy neural network controller with precise input to optimize the variable universe. Then, the time-domain and frequency-domain response characteristics of HPS were analyzed by simulating the special road conditions typical of farmland. Finally, the field performance of the sprayer equipped with the new controller was tested. The results show that the error rate of the AFSA-BP algorithm in training the FNN could be reduced to 3.9%, and compared with a passive suspension system, the T-S fuzzy controller improved the effects of spring mass acceleration, pitch angle acceleration, and roll angle acceleration by 18.3%, 23.3%, and 27.7%, respectively, verifying the effectiveness and engineering practicality of the active controller in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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16 pages, 4958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vibrational Dynamics of Rice Precision Hole Seeders and Their Impact on Seed Dispensation Efficacy

by Dongyang Yu, Feihu Peng, Zhihao Zeng, Minghua Zhang, Wenwu Yang, Ying Zang, Jianfei He, Yichen Huang, Yuguang Wu, Wenneng Zhong, Ziyou Guo, Jiawen Liu, Guanjiong Li, Xingmou Qin and Zaiman Wang

Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020324 - 18 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

This investigation considered the effects of both internal and external excitation vibrations on the efficacy of the seed dispenser in a rice precision hole seeder. Through comprehensive field tests, we analyzed vibrational characteristics during direct seeder operations and established a vibration seeding test [...] Read more.

This investigation considered the effects of both internal and external excitation vibrations on the efficacy of the seed dispenser in a rice precision hole seeder. Through comprehensive field tests, we analyzed vibrational characteristics during direct seeder operations and established a vibration seeding test bed for systematic examination of these effects. Time-domain analysis of the vibration data revealed a predominantly vertical vibration direction, with notably higher levels in sandy loam soil compared to clay loam. A correlation was observed between increased engine size and rotary ploughing speeds, as well as forward speed and elevated vibration amplitudes. Frequency domain analysis pinpointed the primary vibration frequency of the machinery within the 0–170 Hz range, remaining consistent across different operating conditions. Crucially, bench test results indicated that seeding accuracy and dispersion were significantly influenced by vibration frequencies, particularly within the 70–130 Hz range, where a decrease in accuracy and increase in dispersion were noted. A regression model suggested a complex, non-linear relationship between seeding performance and vibration frequency. These insights highlight the necessity for a robust mechanism to effectively address these vibrational impacts. This study paves the way for enhancing the operational efficiency of the rice precision hole seeder, aiming to achieve the design goals of minimized vibrations in the paddy power chassis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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23 pages, 12561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism Analysis and Experimental Verification of Side-Filled Rice Precision Hole Direct Seed-Metering Device Based on MBD-DEM Simulations

by Jinwu Wang, Zhigang Yao, Yanan Xu, Fangyu Guo, Rui Guan, Heng Li, Han Tang and Qi Wang

Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020184 - 25 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1065

Abstract

In order to solve the problems of poor hole-filling performance and the high seed-breakage rate of conventional rice bud seed precision hole direct seed-metering devices, a side-filled rice precision hole direct seed-metering device was developed, and the mechanism and force analyses for seeding [...] Read more.

In order to solve the problems of poor hole-filling performance and the high seed-breakage rate of conventional rice bud seed precision hole direct seed-metering devices, a side-filled rice precision hole direct seed-metering device was developed, and the mechanism and force analyses for seeding operations were carried out. The key factors affecting seeding quality were determined: rotation speed, seeding angle and seeding height. By coupling the discrete element method (DEM) and multi-rigid body dynamics (MBD), the seed breakage rate and seeding performance at different rotation speeds were analyzed. Single-factor bench testing was used to analyze the effect of a duckbill unit on seeding performance under different factor levels. The three-factor and five-level quadratic regression orthogonal rotation center combination test methods were used to obtain the optimal working parameter combination. The test results showed that when the rotation speed was 47 r/min, the seeding angle was 19°, and the seeding height was 180 mm, the qualified index of seeding was 92.03%, the hole diameter qualified index was 91.62%, and the hole distance variation index was 7.17%. This study provides a reference for the research of mechanical rice sprouting seed-metering devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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23 pages, 23176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Interaction Mechanism between Preharvest Threshing Device and Rice at Harvesting Period Based on DEM Simulations and Bench Tests

by Jinwu Wang, Fangyu Guo, Yanan Xu, Jianhua Zhu, Ruida Li, Han Tang, Wenqi Zhou, Qi Wang and Xiaobo Sun

Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020183 - 25 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1072

Abstract

Preharvest threshing is a harvesting method that focuses on collecting rice grains while leaving the rice straw unharvested. Investigating the interaction mechanism between the machine and rice during the operation process and its correlation with harvest losses is crucial for enhancing harvest quality. [...] Read more.

Preharvest threshing is a harvesting method that focuses on collecting rice grains while leaving the rice straw unharvested. Investigating the interaction mechanism between the machine and rice during the operation process and its correlation with harvest losses is crucial for enhancing harvest quality. In this study, structural design and operational mechanism analysis of the combs was conducted through theoretical analysis. By extracting the relevant parameters of rice plants, a model of entire-plant rice during the harvesting period was established based on the discrete element method (DEM). Numerical simulation studies were conducted to clarify the interaction mechanism between the machinery and rice at different operating stages and under various operating parameters, as well as the impact of this interaction on operational quality. The simulation results revealed that various operating parameters had a significant impact on the sliding-cut effect between the combs and rice. A higher cylinder rotation speed enhanced the effect, whereas increased forward velocity hampered it. Additionally, the effect initially improved and then decreased with a higher threshing height. In the bench test, high-speed cameras were used to verify and further analyze the comb–rice interaction mechanism and explore the optimal working parameter combination. The results showed that at a rotation speed of 616 r/min, a forward velocity of 0.91 m/s, and a threshing height of 792 mm, the grain loss rate was 1.997%, and the impurity rate was 4.073%. The harvesting losses were effectively reduced, validating the effectiveness of the study on the interaction between the machinery and rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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20 pages, 6393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experiment of Adaptive Profiling Header Based on Multi-Body Dynamics–Discrete Element Method Coupling

by Weijian Liu, Shan Zeng and Xuegeng Chen

Agriculture 2024, 14(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010105 - 8 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

To promote the germination of rice panicles during the regeneration season, it is necessary to ensure a stubble height of 300–450 mm when mechanically harvesting the first-season rice. However, due to variations in the depth of the paddy soil and fluctuations in the [...] Read more.

To promote the germination of rice panicles during the regeneration season, it is necessary to ensure a stubble height of 300–450 mm when mechanically harvesting the first-season rice. However, due to variations in the depth of the paddy soil and fluctuations in the height of the header during harvesting, maintaining the desired stubble height becomes challenging, resulting in a significant impact on the yield during the regeneration season. This study presents the design of an adaptive profiling header capable of adjusting the height and level of the header adaptively. Based on the theoretical analysis of the profiling mechanism, a quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination experiment is designed. Considering the actual field conditions, the range of each factor is determined, and simulation experiments are conducted based on the MBD-DEM coupling to establish a mathematical regression model between each factor and indicator. In the case of the profiling wheel linkage length of 562 mm, profiling wheel width of 20 mm, and profiling wheel mass of 3.6 kg, the supporting force of the header on the profiling wheel would be greater than zero, the supporting force of soil on the profiling wheel and the depth of soil subsidence represent the smallest values, and the highest sensitivity and accuracy of the profiling wheel are achieved. Bench tests demonstrated that the header exerts a force on the profiling wheel, confirming the normal functioning of the profiling. The average magnitudes of forces exerted by the soil on the profiling wheel are obtained to be 31.98 N, 31.63 N, and 30.86 N, whereas the corresponding average soil subsidence depths are obtained as 3.4 mm, 5.6 mm, and 8.3 mm, aligning closely with the simulation values. The results indicate that the profiling mechanism achieves high accuracy in ground profiling and that the structural design is reasonable. By employing fuzzy PID control to adjust the height of the header, the average error in adjustment is obtained as 6.75 mm, while the average error in the horizontal adjustment is derived as 0.64°. The header adjustment is fast, offering high positioning accuracy, thereby meeting the harvesting requirements of the first season of ratooning rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

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