Investigation of the Performance of Different Cleaning Devices in Maize Grain Harvesters Based on Field Tests

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-821
Author(s):  
Lijun Wang ◽  
Yongtao Yu ◽  
Yang Ma ◽  
Xin Feng ◽  
Tianhua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Field Tests ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
List Type ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Harvest Time ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Common Scale ◽  
Reclamation Area ◽  
The Common ◽  
Maize Grain

HighlightsThe effects of different factors on the performance of cleaning devices are investigated.The loss percentage is negatively correlated to the moisture content of maize grain.The cleaning performance is affected by the plant spacing and the ear mass of maize.The long-toothed scale screen has the best performance in throwing impurities.Abstract. The direct harvest of maize grain achieves high working efficiencies and low harvest costs; thus, direct harvest will become increasingly common for harvesting maize in the future. To investigate the loss percentage of maize grain (LPOMG) and the impurity percentage of maize grain (IPOMG) for harvesting in the northeast reclamation area in China, field tests were completed with various moisture contents of maize grain (MCOMGs), maize varieties, types of cleaning screens, and travel speeds of the harvesters. The results showed that the LPOMG of Xianda 205 maize with an MCOMG of 30.49% was the lowest at 0.37% and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize with an MCOMG of 22.62% was the lowest at 0.14% when the maize mixture was cleaned with the common scale screen in the S660 harvester. The LPOMG of Hayu 189 maize was the lowest at 0.19% when using the S660 harvester at a travel speed of 1.0 m s-1, and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize was the lowest at 0.28% when using the S660 harvester at a travel speed of 2.0 m s-1; the different varieties of maize mixtures were cleaned with the common scale screen. The LPOMG of Xianda 205 maize cleaned with the stepped woven screen was the lowest at 0.25% when using the GK100 harvester at a travel speed of 1.0 m s-1, and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize cleaned with the long-toothed scale screen was the lowest at 0.10% when using the 7088 harvester at a travel speed of 2.0 m s-1. This study provides a reference for selecting a suitable maize variety, type of screen, and the earliest harvest time for direct harvesting of maize grain. Keywords: Cleaning, Field test, Harvesting maize, Impurity, Loss.

Development of Prediction Model for Axle Torque of Agricultural Tractors

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 1773-1786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan-Soo Kim ◽  
Yeon-Soo Kim ◽  
Yong-Joo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Model ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Traction Force ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
List Type ◽  
Slip Ratio ◽  
Agricultural Tractors ◽  
Torque Values ◽  
Agricultural Tractor

HighlightsA prediction model was developed for estimating the axle torque of an agricultural tractor.The model was developed by complementing and modifying a previously proposed traction equation.Compared to the actual axle torque, the proposed model attained MAPE of 2.1%, RMSE of 29 Nm, and RD of 2.7%.The model predicted axle torque more accurately than the traction force-based prediction model.Abstract. The tractor driving axle torque is an important factor in optimal transmission design and service life evaluation. Axle torque measurement sensor systems are very expensive, and traction force-based axle torque prediction models cannot accurately estimate the axle torque because they do not consider both the conditions of the tractor and the attached implement. Therefore, in this study, a prediction model was developed to estimate the axle torque of an agricultural tractor based on the traction force equation and motion resistance. A load measurement system was established to verify the developed prediction model, and actual field torque data were collected through field tests. The developed prediction model was verified by comparing the results of five reference prediction methods, including weight, engine-rated torque, and three traction equations (Wismer-Luth, ASABE Standard D497.4, and Brixius), using the measured axle torque. Performance evaluation was conducted based on the main variables, including travel speed, tillage depth, and slip ratio. The proposed prediction model was found to be closest to the 1:1 line at all travel speeds, tillage depths, and slip ratios, implying that it can best explain the measured torque values among all prediction models. Compared to the other prediction models, the proposed prediction model’s results under all variable conditions had an R2 of 0.65, MAPE of 2.1%, RMSE of 29 Nm, and RD of 2.7%, indicating excellent prediction of the measured torque. The results show that the developed prediction model can be applied to axle torque prediction by explaining the actual measured axle torque. Keywords: Agricultural tractor, Axle torque, Prediction model, Torque estimation, Traction force.

scholarly journals Natural variations in the P-type ATPase heavy metal transporter ZmCd1 controlling cadmium accumulation in maize grains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Tang ◽  
Meijie Luo ◽  
Yunxia Zhang ◽  
Huanle Guo ◽  
Jingna Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Inbred Lines ◽  
Cd Accumulation ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Natural Variations ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
P Type

SummaryCadmium (Cd) accumulation in maize grains is detrimental to human health. Developing maize varieties with low-Cd contents via marker-assisted selection is important for ensuring the production of maize grains safe for consumption. However, the key gene controlling maize grain Cd accumulation has not been cloned. In this study, we identified two major loci for maize grain Cd accumulation (qCd1 and qCd2) on chromosome 2 during a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The qCd1 locus was analyzed by bulked segregant RNA-seq and fine mapping with a biparental segregating population of Jing724 (low-Cd line) and Mo17 (high-Cd line). The ZmCd1 candidate gene in the qCd1 locus encodes a vacuolar membrane-localized heavy metal P-type ATPase transporter, ZmHMA3, which is orthologous to the tonoplast Cd transporter OsHMA3. Genomic DNA sequence and transcript analyses suggested that a transposon in intron 1 of ZmCd1 is responsible for the abnormal amino acid sequence in Mo17. An EMS mutant analysis and an allelism test confirmed ZmCd1 influences maize grain Cd accumulation. The natural variations in ZmCd1 were used to develop four PCR-based molecular markers, which revealed five ZmCd1 haplotypes in the GWAS population. The molecular markers were also used to predict the grain Cd contents in commonly cultivated maize germplasms in China. The predicted Cd contents for 36 inbred lines and 13 hybrids were consistent with the measured Cd contents. Furthermore, several low-Cd elite inbred lines and hybrids were identified, including Jing2416, MC01, Jingnonke728, and Jingke968. Therefore, the molecular markers developed in this study are applicable for molecular breeding and developing maize varieties with low grain Cd contents.

scholarly journals The Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization and the Use of Biostimulants on the Yield of Two Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) Cultivated for Grain

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1408
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kapela ◽  
Anna Sikorska ◽  
Marek Niewęgłowski ◽  
Ewa Krasnodębska ◽  
Krystyna Zarzecka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Control Object ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Family Farm ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Hybrid Cultivar ◽  
The Impact

The field experiment was carried out in 2015–2017 on a family farm in Toczyski Czortki, in the Mazovia voivodeship in Poland. The experiment was set up in a split–split–plot system in three replications. The area of one plot was 30 m−2. The studied factors were: I—two maize varieties: PR38N86 (medium late hybrid cultivar 280 FAO), P8400 (medium early hybrid cultivar 240 FAO); II—four doses of nitrogen fertilization: 1. control object—without the use of nitrogen (0 kg N·ha−1), 2. nitrogen dose—80 kg N·ha−1 (applied once before sowing), 3. nitrogen dose—120 kg N·ha−1 (applied once before sowing), 4. nitrogen dose—160 kg N·ha−1 (applied once before sowing); III—four types of biostimulants used: 1. control object—without using a biostimulant, 2. Asahi®SL biostimulant: I term—four-leaf phase (BBCH 14) at a dose of 0.60 dm3∙ha−1, II term—eight-leaf phase (BBCH 18) at a dose of 0.60 dm3∙ha−1, 3. Improver® biostimulant: I term—four-leaf phase (BBCH 14) at a dose of 1.00 dm3∙ha−1, II term—eight-leaf phase (BBCH 18) at a dose of 0.60 dm3∙ha−1, 4. Zeal® biostimulant: I term—six-leaf phase (BBCH 16) at a dose of 2.00 dm3∙ha−1. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilization and the use of biostimulants on the size and quality of yield of two varieties of maize grown for grain. Based on the conducted research, it was found that nitrogen doses influenced the amount of maize grain obtained. The highest yields were obtained using 120 kg N∙ha−1. Nitrogen doses significantly affected the studied maize yield components. The dose of 120 kg N∙ha−1 increased the number of grains in the cob, while the dose—160 kg N∙ha−1 exerted the best effect on obtaining the highest values of a thousand seeds. The biostimulants used in the experiment significantly affected the mass of one thousand seeds and the number of grains in the cob. In addition, Asahi®SL, Improver® and Zeal® biostimulants increased maize yield in each growing season studied.

scholarly journals Metrical Positions and their Linguistic Realisations in Old Germanic Metres: A Typological Overview

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiichi Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Old English ◽  
The Other ◽  
Old Norse ◽  
Old Saxon ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Common Scale ◽  
The Common ◽  
Linguistic Alignment ◽  
The One ◽  
Linguistic Material

This paper provides a typological account of Old Germanic metre by investigating its parametric variations that largely determine the metrical identities of the Old English Beowulf, the Old Saxon Heliand, and Old Norse eddic poetry (composed in fornyrðislag, málaháttr, or ljóðaháttr). The primary parameters to be explored here are the principle of four metrical positions per verse and the differing ways in which these constituent positions are aligned to linguistic material. On the one hand, the four-position principle works with a maximal strictness in Beowulf, and to a slightly lesser extent in fornyrðislag, whereas it allows for a wider range of deviations in verse size in the Heliand and ljóðaháttr. In málaháttr, however, the principle in itself gives way to the five-position counterpart. On the other hand, the variation in the metrical– linguistic alignment in the three close cognate metres may be generalised by positing the common scale, Heliand > Beowulf > fornyrðislag, for the decreasing likelihood of resolution, the increasing likelihood of suspending resolution, and the decreasing size of the drop.

scholarly journals Field scale row unit vibration affecting planting quality

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changyuan Zhai ◽  
John Long ◽  
Randal Taylor ◽  
Paul Weckler ◽  
Ning Wang
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Maximum Error ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
Vertical Vibration ◽  
Vertical Acceleration ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Spatial Uniformity ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Average Plant ◽  
Target Plant

Abstract With recent developments allowing increased planter speeds, improving spatial uniformity of crop emergence will continue to be an important focus of research. Vertical vibration during planting usually interferes with the seed metering and delivery process, and thereby affects seeding quality. Two different row crop planters were instrumented with accelerometers to monitor vertical vibration of planter row units in five fields with a total area of 220 ha in both no-till and strip-tilled conditions. The test results showed that the row unit vibration linearly increased with planting speeds. The R2 of each fitting equation was more than 0.90. The main frequencies of the vibration were concentrated in a low-frequency band of 3 Hz to 10 Hz. These frequencies did not show an increasing trend with the planter speed. However, the amplitude clearly increased when the planter speed increased. For the John Deere MaxEmerge™ 5 planter, the manually measured average plant spacing was close to the target plant spacing with a maximum error of 21 mm, and a max coefficient of variation (CV) of 24.3%; the standard deviation (SD) increased with travel speed and row unit vibration. For the John Deere ExactEmerge™ planter, the plant spacing was closer to the target plant spacing with a maximum error of only 5 mm and a max CV of 14.3%; the SD remained almost constant, at lower values than that of the MaxEmerge™ 5, at different speeds. For both planters, overall, the row unit vibration increased planting spatial variability. The quality of feed index decreased with increased vertical acceleration on the row unit while the miss index increased. However, the multiples index was generally unaffected by row unit vibration.

Development of a Robotic End-Effector for Apple Tree Pruning

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 847-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azlan Zahid ◽  
Long He ◽  
Lihua Zeng ◽  
Daeun Choi ◽  
James Schupp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutting Force ◽  
Apple Tree ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Force Sensor ◽  
Pneumatic Cylinder ◽  
List Type ◽  
End Effector ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Tree Pruning

HighlightsAn end-effector with two degrees of freedom (2R) was developed for pruning apple trees.A rational 2×2 relationship (R2 = 0.93) was found for ‘Fuji’ apple tree branch diameter and cutting force.Simulation showed that the cutter can be aligned in a wide range of orientations in a spherical workspace.The developed end-effector was able to cut branches up to 12 mm in diameter.Abstract. Robotics and automation technologies are now used extensively in agriculture, while production operations for tree fruit crops still largely depend on manual labor. Manual pruning is a labor-intensive and costly task in apple production. Robotic pruning is a potential solution, but it involves several challenges due to the unstructured work environment. This study focused on designing an end-effector prototype for pruning considering the maneuvering, spatial, mechanical, and horticultural requirements. Branch cutting force was measured with a thin force sensor to provide guidelines for the end-effector design. The test results indicated the relationship between the force required to cut different diameter branches with an R2 value of 0.93. The end-effector was developed using two rotary motors, a pneumatic cylinder, and a pair of bypass shear blades. A three-directional linear manipulator system and a control system were built for moving the end-effector to targeted locations. A mathematical model was developed for simulation of the workspace utilization and reachable points of the end-effector. The simulation results indicated that the end-effector can be aligned in a wide range of orientations of the cutter. Field tests were conducted for validation of the simulation results and performance assessment of the end-effector. The results indicated that the end-effector with the current parameter settings successfully cut branches up to 12 mm in diameter and was able to cut branches in a wide range of possible orientations in a given 3D space. The robotic end-effector developed in this study is a core component of an automated pruning system for fruit trees. In future work, an integrated manipulator system will be developed for branch accessibility with collision-free trajectories. Keywords: Malus × domestica (Borkh.), Pruning end-effector, Reachable-points simulation, Tree pruning.

The effect of density of planting on yield and final nutrient uptake of two maize varieties in Nigeria

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 687-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. O. Lucas ◽  
Rita Sagbohan
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
High Density ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Maize Grain

Recent studies on maize in Nigeria showed that the new ‘FARZ series’ of maize, which were specially bred for high yield, respond to high density treatments (Lucas, 1981; Remison & Lucas, 1982). The optimum maize grain yields were obtained by these workers at density treatments 6·6 and 5·3 plants/m2. Prior to the release of these varieties, optimum grain yields were obtained between 3·7 and 4·3 plants/m2 (Fayemi, 1963; Chinwuba, 1967).

scholarly journals Underlying Factors of Tourist Social Responsibility (TSR) within the COVID-19 Context: An Empirical Investigation of the Saudi Tourism Market

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13342
Author(s):  
Ayman Kassem ◽  
Ahmad Muhammad Ragab ◽  
Abdullah Alomran ◽  
Eid Alotaibi ◽  
Tarek AbdelAzim Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Common Scale ◽  
The Common ◽  
Item Scale

The current literature on social responsibility in tourism is criticized for its bias in focusing on business ethics and responsibility while neglecting the tourist perspective. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring the underlying factors of tourist social responsibility (TSR) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the Saudi tourism market. Based on the common scale development procedures, including a thorough review of the literature, identifying TSR domains and items, purifying the measurement scale, and demonstrating its reliability, a five-dimensional 24-item scale is developed. The findings reveal that TSR can be measured based on five distinct factors: (1) “Responsibility for legal and social aspects”, (2) “Responsibility for COVID-19 health issues”, (3) “Responsibility for altruism and solidarity”, (4) “Responsibility for supporting socially responsible businesses”, and (5) “Responsibility for environmental impacts”. Moreover, the results confirm the significant relationship between TSR attitude and tourists’ intention to behave socially. These findings enable policymakers to understand the TSR notion and factors influencing tourists to be more socially responsible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to realize a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.

scholarly journals Airborne point counts: a method for estimating songbird abundance with drones

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
McKenzie D. Somers ◽  
Darren B. Glass ◽  
Marisa A. Immordino ◽  
Precious S. Ozoh ◽  
Lauren B. Sherman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
List Type ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Northern Cardinal ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Survey Techniques ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Difficult Terrain ◽  
Post Hoc

AbstractUsing drones to conduct airborne bioacoustic surveys is a potentially useful new way to estimate the abundance of vocal bird species. Here we show that by using two recording devices suspended from a quadcopter drone it is possible to estimate distances to birds with precision. In an experimental test, the mean error of our estimated distances to a broadcast song across 11 points between 0 and 100 m away was just 3.47 m. In field tests we compared 1-minute airborne counts with 5-minute terrestrial counts at 34 count locations. We found that the airborne counts yielded similar data to the terrestrial point counts for most of the 10 the songbirds included in our analysis, and that the effective detection radii were also similar. However, airborne counts significantly under-detected the Northern Cardinal (χ29 = 22.8, post-hoc test P = 0.007), which we attribute to a behavioral response to the drone. Airborne counts work best for species that vocalize close to the ground and have high frequency-range songs. Under those circumstances, airborne bioacoustics could have several advantages over ground-based surveys, including increased precision, increased repeatability, and easier access in difficult terrain. Further, we show that it is possible to do rapid surveys using airborne techniques, which could lead to the development of much more efficient survey protocols than are possible using traditional survey techniques.Lay SummaryWe show that it is possible to estimate the distance of singing birds from a drone, which then allows bird counts to be converted to true abundance or population densities.Using drones to count birds allows researchers to survey areas that may be difficult or dangerous to access on foot.Airborne counts are potentially a highly efficient and highly repeatable way to estimate populations of vocal bird species.

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