Mechanization in agriculture & Conserving of the resources
Vol. 72 (2026), Issue 1

Table of Contents

  • MECHANIZATION IN AGRICULTURE

    • Development of a Mobile Pneumohydraulic System for Removal of Sediment Deposits in Shaft Wells

      pg(s) 3-5

      This paper presents a study of the pneumohydraulic method for the removal of sediment deposits during the cleaning of shaft wells and the development of a mobile experimental unit. The accumulation of sediment in wells significantly reduces their efficiency and requires effective cleaning technologies. The proposed method combines the action of compressed air and water flow to intensify the process of sediment loosening and removal. A mobile unit was designed and prepared for experimental validation. The proposed approach is expected to provide effective cleaning of wells, reduce labor intensity, and improve operational performance compared to conventional methods. The developed system can be applied in rural and livestock water supply systems.

    • Justification of the design parameters for a flexible screw conveyor system for the disposal of damaged soil from blast craters

      pg(s) 6-8

      This article presents the design of a device with a flexible screw conveyor that will improve the functional and operational characteristics of screw conveyors during the disposal of excavated contaminated soil. To select optimal design parameters for the sections of the screw working element, computer modeling was performed to assess the impact of force loads on corresponding deformations depending on operating conditions.

    • Enhancing the Drying Efficiency and Quality Preservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants through Innovative Solar Drying Systems in Albania

      pg(s) 9-11

      Albania has a long tradition in the collecting, cultivation and export of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), with more than 400 wild species of economic importance, representing nearly 15% of the country’s flora. Drying is a key post-harvest process that affects moisture reduction, microbial stability, and preservation of bioactive compounds, essential oils, color, and overall product quality. This study evaluates innovative solar-powered drying systems for medicinal and aromatic plants and mountain fruits in Bilisht and Ersekë, Albania. Data collected from March to August 2023 included fresh biomass weight, layer thickness, biomass density, drying temperature and
      duration, relative humidity, ambient temperature, and final dry biomass. The systems incorporated heat-absorbing materials and transparent covers to improve solar energy capture and airflow control. Drying temperature and duration were identified as the main factors affecting the physical, microbiological, and phytochemical quality of dried products. Results showed that solar drying systems reduced drying time and improved product quality compared with traditional drying methods. These findings suggest that innovative solar drying systems can improve energy efficiency, preserve product quality, and increase the commercial value of medicinal and aromatic plants in Albania.

    • Study of a working body for clearing damaged soil from inside a crater

      pg(s) 12-13

      This article presents the design of a working body for removing the damaged soil layer inside a crater, which allows for field studies of the process of removing the damaged soil layer from inside a crater formed as a result of explosions. A methodology has been developed for conducting experimental studies of the working body for removing the damaged soil layer from inside a crater.

    • New model of agricultural machine for combined soil tillage with increased productivity

      pg(s) 14-16

      The paper presents a new model of an agricultural machine for combined soil tillage, designed mainly for pre-sowing soil preparation in field crop production and horticulture. The machine combines several technological operations in one pass: cutting and lifting of the untreated soil layer, crushing of soil clods, shredding of plant residues and regulated discharge of the processed material through a grid system. The proposed construction is based on a tractor-mounted implement with two rotating drums equipped with radial hammers, a wedge-shaped comb knife, an intermediate grid, an outlet grid and a rear cover for controlling the size of the processed soil aggregates. The expected increase in productivity is related to the replacement of several consecutive tillage operations with one combined pass, which may reduce field time, fuel consumption, labour input and soil compaction. Since experimental field data are not yet available, the paper also proposes a methodology for future testing, including evaluation of effective field capacity on the machine.

    • Features of fuel efficiency of tractors, trucks, and passenger cars

      pg(s) 17-21

      The paper presents the results of studies on the influence of fuel system malfunctions, engine adjustment violations, technical condition, and operating conditions of tractors, trucks, and passenger cars on fuel consumption. The analysis of external speed characteristics of diesel and carburetor engines is carried out. The influence of ignition timing, fuel equipment condition, tire pressure, cooling system operation, and maintenance quality on fuel efficiency indicators is considered. It is shown that untimely maintenance, improper adjustment of engine systems, and violation of operating requirements significantly affect fuel consumption and engine performance. The results of the study demonstrate that the technical condition of vehicles and operating modes are among the main factors determining fuel efficiency indicators.

  • CONSERVING OF THE RESOURCES

    • Energy consumption of primary tillage operations in conventional and no-till farming systems – a review

      pg(s) 22-26

      This article reviews domestic and international literature on the energy consumption of primary tillage operations in four farming systems: conventional (plough-based) tillage, simplified tillage, strip-till and no-till farming. The energy inputs of individual agrotechnical operations were analysed, with particular emphasis on fuel consumption, cumulative energy, CO₂ emissions and the impact on the physical and biological properties of the soil. The results of the review indicate that switching from ploughing to no-till farming reduces fuel consumption by 60–80%, energy inputs by 55–75%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 65–80%. At the same time, no-till systems promote the accumulation of organic matter in the topsoil, improve the stability of soil aggregates and protect against erosion. The limitations of no-till farming under Polish conditions were also discussed, including the risk of seed embedding in heavy soils, problems with weed control, increased reliance on herbicides, and economic and psychological barriers. An economic analysis of cultivation costs in individual systems was carried out for a model farm with an area of 100 ha.

    • Productivity of irrigation water and irrigation effect of raspberries grown under optimum irrigation conditions and water deficit

      pg(s) 27-29

      This paper deals with the productivity of irrigation water and the effect of irrigation on raspberries in the Chelopechene experimental field. We examined different regimes, keeping from full satisfaction of daily water needs of crop to irrigation with reduced by 20 and 40% irrigation norms and variant without irrigation
      Moisture optimization in the active soil layer contributes to a significant increase and stabilization of yields, which for the test conditions range from 835 to 1074 kg / dka, with additional yields ranging from 404 to 627, kg / dka or from 47 to 59% on average for the study period. Established productivity irrigation rate is highest in the variants irrigated with a 40% reduction in the optimum norm and varies in units from 13.0 kg. ha -1.mm-1 to 24.0 kg.ha – 1.mm-1, and it is low in the irrigation variants with 100% irrigation rate, with the highest values reaching in the dry year 2000.