Mechanization in agriculture & Conserving of the resources
Vol. 68 (2024), Issue 3

Table of Contents

  • MECHANIZATION IN AGRICULTURE

    • Differential equations of motion of table beet root crop of round shape on the surface of a spiral separator

      pg(s) 68-70

      An actual problem in the technological process of table beet production is the cleaning of root crops from adhered soil, soil impurities and plant residues after digging them out of the soil. In this paper we have constructed a mathematical model of table beet root crop movement along the working channel of the new construction of the spiral separator developed by us, because at such movement just the cleaning of root crops from these impurities takes place. On the basis of the equivalent scheme developed in this article, a system of differential equations of motion of table beet root crop along the surface of the working channel of the spiral separator is drawn up. The solution of the obtained system of differential equations on the PC makes it possible to investigate the influence of constructive and kinematic parameters of the separator on the speed of movement of the root crop in the working channel before its descent from the spirals. Thus determined constructive and kinematic parameters will provide improvement of the quality of cleaning of table beet root crops from soil impurities and plant residues.

    • Development of experimental setup, program and methods experimental research of carrot heads cleaning from root haulm residues

      pg(s) 71-74

      Mechanized carrot growing technologies involve the use of various operations, in particular, digging by pulling the root and removing it inside the combine, as well as by pre-cutting the green mass of the root and subsequent cleaning of the heads from the remains of the root before digging. Due to the fact that there are high requirements for cleaning carrot root heads from residues, the development of new, more improved cleaners is an important and urgent task. The solution to this problem was implemented by developing a new design of the purifier, which is able to perform the specified cleaning process with high quality. The cleaner consists of two shafts that cover each row of carrots on both sides and rotate in opposite directions. Cleaning shafts are located in a horizontal plane at an angle to each other. As cleaning elements, pairs of rubber blades are used, which are installed on hubs on each shaft, which are fixed on the shafts with the appropriate step. The rubber blades are mounted on hubs hinged and the ends of the blades of one shaft are located between the pairs of blades of the second shaft. By simultaneously hitting the heads of the carrot root crops with flexible blades from both sides, the process of cleaning them from residues is carried out. In order to study the process of cleaning carrot heads from the remains of ghee on the root, an experimental installation was made and a program of experimental studies of this technological process was developed.

    • Establishment of training of specialists in agricultural engineering at the kyiv polytechnic institute

      pg(s) 75-78

      Together with the foundation of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute in 1898, it was introduced at its Agricultural Department to teach the academic discipline “Mechanics in Adaptation to Agriculture”, which will be called “Agricultural Mechanics” in the future. Three years later, that is, in 1902, students of this department began to study this subject, having previously studied the subject “Elementary Mechanics” at the beginning of the III year. Soon, after a period of time, the students of the Mechanical Department began to study a subject called “Agricultural Mechanical Engineering”. It was from 1906–1908 that students of both departments began to carry out socalled “Special projects” in agricultural engineering during their studies, and in the following years to carry out diploma projects dedicated to this area of science and study. The teaching of the specified subjects, as well as the students’ careful study of real agricultural machines and tools that worked in the field at the Kyiv Machine Testing Station at the Polytechnic Institute (the students even took part in the tests themselves) and gives grounds for the assertion that the organization of training specialists in in the field of agricultural engineering began at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the indicated times.

    • Prospects for the application of ceramic beehives in modern apiculture farms

      pg(s) 79-82

      A brief review of the design characteristics of the main construction types of standard movable frame and traditional beehives applicable in beekeeping farms is presented. The performance of a newly developed innovative movable frame beehive constructed of durable, heat-resistant hollow chamber ceramic structural elements is discussed. A comparison of the functional characteristics of prepared experimental ceramic hive prototypes and the prevailing types of standard beehives made of other materials is carried out. The existing requirements and prospects for equipping beekeeping farms with ceramic hives providing prolonged service life, higher yields and increased sustainability in diverse climatic environments and critical conditions are analysed.

  • CONSERVING OF THE RESOURCES

    • Utilization of solar energy in application of drip irrigation in gardens of mountainous and foothill areas of Uzbekistan

      pg(s) 83-86

      Under the conditions of climate change, the provision of clean drinking water for population and irrigation water for crops has become one of the main problems in the world. With population growth and development of economic sectors, water resources deficit in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries is increasing from year to year. With population growth and development of economic sectors, water resources deficit in the Republic of Uzbekistan and in Central Asian countries increases from year to year. The solution of water deficit problem lies in water saving and rational water use. The main objective of scientific research is application of water and energy saving technologies in fruit orchards located in mountainous and foothill zones and in different soil-reclamation conditions of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Republic of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Surkhandarya and Khorezm provinces), where water and electricity deficit is strongly felt. As a result, water saving in fruit orchards in comparison with traditional irrigation amounted to 67.4 % in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 76.1 % in Bukhara province, and on average in the republic the saving reached 60÷80 %. In order to reduce the human factor in garden irrigation, all processes were automated. A mobile solar system with a capacity of N=4.0÷4.2 kWh (8 photovol-taic solar panels with a capacity of 500 W each) was manufactured to provide energy to the pumping unit supplying water to the drip irriga-tion system. Also, a system of cooling of solar panels was developed to increase the efficiency factor at high temperatures (t = 40÷500 C).

    • GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach as a Tool for Land Suitability Analysis – A Review

      pg(s) 87-93

      Land suitability analysis plays a crucial role in land use planning and decision-making processes. The utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in land suitability analysis has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. GIS combined Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a powerful process that integrates geographical data to make informed decisions. By considering multiple spatial factors, this method generates a comprehensive map highlighting the optimal locations for specific land-use purposes. This review paper aims to examine the application of GIS-based MCDA in land suitability analysis, based on a comprehensive review of the literature. Moreover, the review examines case studies that have applied GIS-based MCDA in land suitability analysis across various disciplines, including agriculture, urban planning, and environmental management. Overall, this review paper provides valuable insights into the role of GIS-based MCDA as a tool for land-use suitability analysis, highlighting its significance in sustainable land management practices.

    • Research on the conditions of reclamation of agricultural soils disturbed by military operations

      pg(s) 94-96

      The article studies and analyzes the impact of military operations on the soil cover, in particular, damage and destruction of the fertile soil layer as a result of detonation of various explosive objects (missiles, bombs, artillery shells, etc.) and its contamination with heavy metals and other harmful substances. A method is proposed for the technical reclamation of damaged land as a result of bombing. It involves first cleaning the craters from damaged and contaminated soil with heavy metals and other hazardous substances. It is proposed to use a new working body for this purpose. If a dangerous concentration of heavy metals and other hazardous substances is found on the surface of the crater, the removed contaminated soil layer must be disposed of. If the removed layer of the sinkhole surface contains an acceptable concentration of contaminants, the removed layer can be left at the bottom of the funnel. A flexible screw conveyor with a sectional auger working body can be used to dispose of the removed contaminated soil layer. To restore the relief, it is necessary to backfill the craters, i.e. level the surface. After that, the land can be disked and cultivated, and plowed if necessary.

    • Migration ability and bioaccumulation of 152Eu from Calcaric Chernozem soil to peppermint (Mentha Piperita L.) and its transfer to tincture and tea

      pg(s) 97-99

      Europium is widely used in industry and improper waste management in its recycling can cause environmental pollution. 152Eu is obtained as a result of neutron activation of the control rods of nuclear reactors and may enter the soils after nuclear accident. The distribution of 152Eu in the environment and its transfer through the food chain can threaten the human health through its beta and gamma radiation. Therefore, knowledge of the geochemical forms of Eu and its transfer from soil to plants is important for the risk assessment in case of environmental pollution. The paper presents the results of a model study on the mobile geochemical forms and bioaccumulation of 152Eu from chernozem soil to peppermint (Mentha Piperita L.). Peppermint plant was planted in a pot with Calcaric Chernozem soil, taken from the 0-10 cm surface layer. Aqueous solution of 152EuCl3 was spiked in the soil, simulating radioactive contamination. The peppermint was grown during 8 months and samples of the soil and peppermint stems and leaves were taken at the 5th and 8th month after the radioactive contamination. The transfer factors (TFs) soil-to-plant were determined. The water-soluble, exchangeable and bound to humic and fulvic acids forms of 152Eu were studied after the 1st, 5th and 8th month after the contamination. The transfer of 152Eu from the mint leaves to tea and tincture was examined. The results showed higher TFs for the soil-leaves than soil-stems system. More than 40% of 152Eu, accumulated in the dry leaves was found to be extracted in the tea, while no radioactive europium was found in mint tincture.

    • Conditions for restoration of agricultural land after the bombing

      pg(s) 100-102

      The main indicators of the impact on agricultural fields of the military actions that are currently taking place in Ukraine are determined. In particular, not only the damage to the surface relief, but also the contamination of fields with chemicals has been established. The indicators of soil contamination, as well as the directions of further use of the fields and general rehabilitation measures for agricultural land affected by chemicals are determined.

    • Resilience in Water Management: Addressing Climate Change Challenges in Albania

      pg(s) 103-107

      Albania has significant water resources, yet seasonal fluctuations and inefficient usage increasingly threaten these. This study examines the repercussions of changes in the hydrological cycle on the country’s land and ecosystems, as well as the broader social, economic, and environmental pressures. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of industrial and agricultural practices, alongside the effects of urban population growth, we highlight how these factors exacerbate climate change impacts on water resources. Specifically, we investigate shifts in water quality and quantity, alterations in precipitation patterns, and the intensification of temperatures, evaporation, humidity, and soil aridity. The National Strategy for Water Resources Management (2018–2027) aims for sustainable water usage and improved quality across all resources by 2027, while also addressing disaster risks associated with droughts and floods. However, Albania faces escalating challenges in water resource management, impacting both supply and demand. Climatic trends indicate a decline in rainfall and river flows, particularly during summer, as well as increased soil dryness and more frequent extreme weather events. Currently, hydropower plants generate nearly 90% of the country’s energy, further straining water resources. According to the SPEI Annual Drought Index, by 2100, Albania is projected to face a marked decline in precipitation, compounded by heightened dryness and reduced moisture levels. Recent data shows that the number of days exceeding 20°C has doubled and tropical nights have tripled compared to historical averages. Over the past three decades, floods and landslides have accounted for significant economic losses, with 40.2% and 33.5% of damages respectively. To address these challenges, urgent and long-term measures are required, including the sustainable management of water resources, modernization of distribution networks, and enhanced water efficiency to mitigate waste.

    • Low intensity fertilization with organic and complex mineral fertilizers and their influence on the organic matter content of Haplic Chernozems

      pg(s) 108-111

      The use of complex mineral, organo-mineral and organic fertilizers on Haplic Chernozems for 8 years leads to changes in the composition of soil organic matter. Certainly the organic fertilizer ExcellOrga and its combination with the complex mineral fertilizer Suprefos increase the content of soil organic carbon, and humic acids, related with calcium. A positive trend is also the increase of carbon in insoluble residue. A statistically reliable positive influence of organic and organo-mineral fertilization on individual groups and fractions compared to those in the control variant was established. The trend is especially well expressed on the carbon values of humic acids and those related to calcium. This leads to a sustainable level of humification and an increase in the share of agronomically valuable groups and fractions in the organic carbon of the soil.

    • Influence of effective microorganisms on the biological activity of the soil in greenhouse pepper cultivation

      pg(s) 112-115

      The article presents the results of a study of the influence of effective microorganisms Trichoderma viride, Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter cloaceae on the biological activity of the soil when growing pepper on the plot with mineral fertilization (fertilizer rate N22 P16 K20 kg/da). The experiment was carried out at the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv in an unheated steel-glass greenhouse with the Pirouette F1 variety, planted according to the scheme (90/60/40 cm). The studied microbial substances were used as 0.1% aqueous solutions of the standardized biological preparations “Trichodermine” (Trichoderma viride, strain Trv1, titer 2.1010 c/ml); “Extrasol” (Bacillus subtilis, titer 1.1010 CFU/ml) and a bacterial preparation based on Enterobacter cloaceae (titer 1.1010 CFU/ml) at a consumption rate of 10 L of solution per 20 m2. The biological activity of the soil in the experiment was followed in different phenological phases of the development of the culture using the methodology for cultivating diluted aqueous soil solutions on solid nutrient media. As a result of the studies, it was established that the use of bioproducts based on Trihoderma viride, Bacillus subtilis and Enerobacter cloacae leads to optimization of the structural composition of the microbiome in the soil. Among the tested biopreparations with the greatest efficiency is the biopreparation “Trichodermine”. The introduction of the biopreparation “Trichodermine” increases the biogenicity of the soil by 12% towards the middle and by 74% – towards the end of the growing season. The agrochemical effectiveness of the application of the biopreparation “Trichodermine” to regulate the nitrogen-phosphate-potassium nutritional regime has been established. During the period of active harvesting, the content of mineral forms of nitrogen in the variant with “Trichodermine” increases to 50%, of mobile phosphorus – to 40%, of mobile potassium – to 71%. An article confirms the expediency and effectiveness of the application of biological preparations to optimize the structural composition of the microbiome in the soil and regulate the nitrogen-phosphate-potassium nutritional regime.

    • Ternary magneto-biochar-clay composite as efficient adsorbent for aqueous naproxen and carbamazepine from Ishmi river water in Albania

      pg(s) 116-118

      The quality of surface waters in Albania is an issue particularly as the country aims to join the EU. Organic compounds in water matrix are difficult to remove, and recent Ishmi river monitoring shows that the anti-inflammatory such as naproxen is predominant among other pharmaceuticals. The commonly used antiepileptic such as carbamazepine is also detected. Thus, their removal from effluents is of high environmental relevance. Therefore, ternary magneto-biochar-clay (MBC 1:2:1) adsorbent was prepared from low-cost feldspar (FLC), grape cluster stalk waste (GC) biochar, and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), and was used as an adsorbent. Adsorption
      experiments tested the effect of solution pH (2.5-10) of naproxen and carbamazepine with simulated contaminated and Ishmi river water, after pH optimization. The results showed that the maximum adsorption was achieved at a pH value of 2.5 for naproxen and carbamazepine in a single compound solution. Interestingly, for naproxen in both cases (single and combined), the maximum adsorption was achieved at pH value of 2.5, while for carbamazepine the maximum adsorption was achieved at pH value of 2.5 for single and no significant adsorption was achieved in combined compound solution. The adsorption of naproxen and carbamazepine at optimized pH of 4.5 in Ishmi water remained stable, with the only difference for carbamazepine in single compound, where the adsorption was lower compared to simulated contaminated water. This study demonstrated that in addition to easy handling, the MBC 1:2:1 adsorbent was efficient for naproxen and carbamazepine removal.