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Prototype Feasibility Evaluation of Tractor Operated Green Pea Crop Harvesting System
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Gill, Gagandeep Singh; Dr. Rajesh Goyal
In Punjab, pea crop is cultivated in an area of 43,860 ha. Due to lack of mechanization for harvesting and threshing of green peas, farmers have to depend on labour for picking of pea pods. To increase the area under pea cultivation, there is a need of mono picking varieties of pea crop and machines for harvesting and threshing of pea crop. To access the mono picking characteristics of pea variety (PB-89), studies on physical characteristics (plant height, pod maturity, number of pods per plant, weight of pods per plant, weight of peas per pod, angle of repose and bulk density of green pea crop) with different sowing dates was observed. Efforts has been done by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for harvesting, threshing and depoding of green pea crop by developing tractor operated green pea crop harvester and thresher cum depoder. The developed tractor operated green pea crop harvester consists of header, conveyors, hydraulic motors & actuators, supporting roller and wiping roller, chain and sprockets unit and jack mechanism for fitting with tractor. As the green pea harvester moves in the field the rotating reel strips out the green pea crop and wiping roller conveys the green pea crop to conveyer. The pea crop harvester was evaluated in terms effective field capacity (ha/h), fuel consumption (l/h), crop left over by machine (%), machine throughput capacity (kg/h), damage to crop (%) and efficiency of machine (%) at different independent parameters like forward speed 1.26 km/h (S1) and 1.90 km/h (S2), reel rpm 240 rpm (RR1), 200 rpm (RR2) and 160 rpm (RR3) and number of fingers 18 (F1) & 25 (F2) mounted on reel of header. Forward speed showed significant effect on fuel consumption, effective field capacity, crop left by machine and efficiency of machine. The maximum efficiency (83.62%) of green crop harvester having minimum damage (2.29%) and minimum crop left in field (14.04%) was observed at a forward speed of 1.26 km/h (S1), number of fingers mounted on reel 25 (F2), and reel rpm 200 (RR2). Physical characteristics of pea variety shows that PB-89 variety cannot be harvested once as it matures in stages.
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Development and Evaluation of UAV-based Variable Rate Applicator for Fertilizers
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Dhillon, Prabhsimran Kaur; Verma, Aseem
Excessive and continuous chemical fertigation has ill effects on human and animal health, and the environment and it also increases agricultural production costs. Application of the right amount of nitrogen (urea) in crops is vital for enhanced productivity. With the application of variable rate application technology, the right dosage of nitrogen (N) at the spot could be specified exactly as per the crop requirement. Aerial application technology for spraying liquid fertilizers allows more stable growth of plants and decrease pollution in the environment. Drones/UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), fitted with automated pre-programmed GPS (Global Positioning System) systems, can be used effectively for this purpose. In present study, a UAV-based Variable Rate Applicator (VRA) spraying system for the application of fertilizers was developed and evaluated by creating NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetative Index) based field maps and a decision-making algorithm. The VRA system consists of a microprocessor (Raspberry pi), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), BEC (Battery Eliminating Circuit), and GPS (NEO-M9N). The algorithm for the system was developed using Python language (Version 4.0). The field imaginary was collected using UAV mounted multispectral camera (RedEdge MX) and thereafter, processing of images to generate NDVI maps was done in Pix4Dmapper (version 4.0) software. The field evaluation of the VRA was conducted for the wheat crop (Variety: PBW1) at two crop growth stages (42 DAS, 52 DAS) and four nitrogen levels (N1: Healthy, N2: Moderate, N3: Low and N4: Very low) as independent parameters and NDVI, spray coverage (%), droplet density (droplets/ cm2) and in swath spray deposition (µl/cm2) as dependent parameters. There were found no significant difference between spray coverage, droplet density, and in-swath spray deposition at 5% level of significance and a significant difference was found between the NDVI values at different crop growth stages at 5% level of significance (p<0.05). It was also found that significant difference between NDVI values before and after spray at crop growth stage I at 5% level of significance. Similarly, at crop growth stage II, there were a significant difference between NDVI before and after spray at 5% level of significance. The spray coverage (%) at crop growth stages I and II were non-significantly different at respective nitrogen application levels. The droplet density (droplets/cm2) and in-swath spray deposition (µl/cm2) for crop growth stage I and II was non-significantly different at respective nitrogen levels at 5% level of significance
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Development and Control of a Suitable Robotic Manipulator for Wash Root Paddy Nursery
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Jaideep; Manjeet Singh
The study aimed to develop a robotic manipulator for the singulation and transplanting of seedlings from a bunch of wash-root paddy nursery. Previous attempts to develop mechanical transplanters for wash root paddy nursery faced challenges, leading to the exploration of robotic systems for seedling singulation. To develop robotic manipulator, study was conducted to determine physical and mechanical properties of wash root seedlings at different growth stages for consecutively two years in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The collected data was used in the development of the robotic manipulator and different electro-mechanical mechanisms used for seedling segregation and conveying. During the evaluation phase, the electro-mechanical mechanisms showed inadequate segregation from the bunch of wash-root seedlings. Modifications were made in the robotic manipulator’s design, enhancing its arm reach and end-effector design to achieve the desired functionality. The approach to program the robotic manipulator for pre-specified positions instead of image processing technique was considered for more flexibility and adaptability in segregating the wash-root seedlings. The Jetson Nano microprocessor was utilized for control and coordination, enabling execution of the manipulator’s operations. A forward kinematic analysis using the standard Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) algorithm and RoboAnalyzer software were used for the control of robotic manipulator. Python language was used for the programming to control the manipulator’s actions and interactions with the wash-root seedlings in tray. Seedling height ranged from 153.3 mm (PR-121 variety) to 553.4 mm (PB-1125 variety) across different ages and varieties. PB-1125 variety is the longest variety, and PB-121 variety is the shortest variety amongst all four varieties selected for the study. Cross-sectional area of the wash-root seedlings varied from 3.63 mm2 (PB-1509 variety) to 9.46 mm2 (PB-1125 variety). Average tensile force and compressive force varied 6.72-26.53 N and 5.74- 14.74 N respectively for all 3 varieties and 3 growth stages of the seedlings. During the evaluation of robotic manipulator, the minimum percentage of cycles i.e., 15.33% missing the seedlings were observed for the washed seedlings of varieties PB-1121 and PB-1509 at the age of 30 DAS. It was concluded that average seedlings picked per cycle varied in the range of 1.45 to 1.88 with highest seedlings picked at 25 DAS and lowest picking was of seedlings at 35 DAS. Data analysis showed that the percentage of more than 3 seedlings picked per cycle varied in the range of 10.00-20.67% with the highest percentage was observed at 25 DAS of the seedlings and lowest percentage was recorded for seedlings aged 35 DAS. Overall, the performance of developed robotic manipulator was better for the seedlings of all the selected varieties at the age of 35 DAS.
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Development and evaluation of Battery assisted Eweeder for narrow row crops
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Gurkanwal Singh; Khurana, Rohinish
This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development and performance assessment of an electric weeder tailored for efficient agricultural weed management. The primary focus of the research was to develop and evaluate an electric weeder to be used in narrow row crops. The weeder's innovative design encompassed features enabling weed control in narrow row crops, adjustable rotor speeds, and adjustable depth of weeding blade. The weeding mechanism of weeder was powered using a 1000W 48V BLDC motor, traction was provided using a hub motor of 250W and 48V. A li-ion battery of 25Ah 48V was used as a energy source for both the motors. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the weeder's operational capabilities across a diverse range of parameters. The study revealed substantial correlations between rotor speed, forward speed, and moisture content with both weeding efficiency and plant damage. An upward trend in weeding efficiency was consistently observed with higher rotor and forward speeds, highlighting the potential benefits of increased operational intensity. In contrast, plant damage demonstrated an escalating trend at elevated rotor and forward speeds. Plant damage also increased with decrease in moisture content. Battery performance was also comprehensively evaluated, with discharging and charging times serving as critical operational metrics. Optimal parameters for maximum weeding efficiency and minimal plant damage were identified as a forward speed of 3kmph, rotor speed of 300 rpm, and a moisture content of 18%. These parameters not only contributed to substantial labor savings of 72.9% but also resulted in noteworthy cost reductions of 50.7%. The developed electric weeder exhibits potential for weed management in narrow row crops, offering enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The study's comprehensive insights contribute significantly to the field of agricultural mechanization. through alternate sources of power on the farm.
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Development and evaluation of a seeding attachment of combine harvester for sowing wheat while harvesting paddy
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Parihar, Dilwar Singh; Narang, Mahesh Kumar
An intensive paddy-wheat rotation system produces high yields but leaves abundant residue in the fields after harvest, which interferes with sowing operation of the next crop. In the North Western part of IGP (Indo-Gangetic Plains), more than 75% of the paddy is harvested with the combine harvesters. After combine harvesting, usually a considerable amount of loose straw and standing stubble left in the field. For timely sowing of next crop paddy residue burning performed by farmers which is a major environmental problem in many rice-producing regions. The practice not only causes air pollution but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This residue needs to be managed through incorporation and/or mulching for timely sowing of wheat crop. Presently, straw incorporation or direct sowing of wheat in stubble fields require highly energy-intensive machinery and time to attain desired results. Direct seeding of wheat during paddy harvesting is a promising alternative to mitigate paddy residue burning, but it requires specialized equipment. Therefore, a seeding attachment was developed for combine harvester for sowing wheat simultaneously during harvesting of paddy. In light of this, three different furrow openers (i.e. concave disc, double disc and punch hole) were evaluated at three levels of forward speed and stubble heights. The concave disc type furrow openers has been selected for development of seeding attachment because of good straw handling ability and less choking observed during the field evaluation. Thereafter, the performance of the seeding attachment was carried out while paddy harvesting at three different forward speeds (i.e. 1.5, 2.1 and 2.8 km/h) and stubble heights (i.e. 38, 45 and 52 cm). The dependent parameters for the study were plant emergence per meter length, tillers per meter length, effective tillers per meter length, plant height, panicle length, number of grains per ear head, weight of grains per ear head, grain yield, fuel consumption and field capacity of the seeding attachment. The plant height, panicle length and number of grains per ear head were found non-significant at selected forward speeds and stubble heights. Plant emergence per meter length, tillers per meter length, effective tillers per meter length, field capacity, fuel consumption, and grain yield were found 23.6-31.6, 76.6-80.4, 72.06-75.82, 0.6 ha/h, 14 l/ha, and 4408 kg/ha respectively. The best results were obtained at 2.1 km/h forward speed and 38 cm stubble height. It was found that the seeding attachment improved the utility of combine harvester, reduced energy and time associated in straw management and wheat sowing operations. The current study indicated a significant gain in energy-use efficiency, and a reduction in environmental pollution is possible with developed seeding attachment by avoiding paddy residue burning.
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Development and evaluation of spinning type granular fertilizer spreader attachment for drone applications
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Choudhary, Vishal; Saimbhi, V.S.
A study was conducted for the development and evaluation of a granular fertilizer broadcasting platform for applications with drones. The component of the developed system were a fertilizer handling hopper, spinning disc, fluted roller type metering mechanism and electronic control unit. The electronic control unit comprised an ATmega325P Arduino Uno based microcontroller, direct current (DC) motor driver board, two 12 v geared DC miniature motors, flysky FS CT6B transmitter-receiver remote control (RC) unit, a printed circuit board (PCB), and need based wires & connectors. The drone made by Joyance Tech Private Limited, Shandong, China, available in the department was used for the study by detaching its spraying system. Fluted feed roller and spinning disc was operated by DC motors. A compute program was written using Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) open source software and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) of microcontroller was programmed using universal serial bus (USB) cable through a personal computer. The speed of fluted roller motor and spinning disc motor was controlled through RC unit for the defined values. The developed system was attached to the drone and its performance its performance was evaluated for uniformity of broadcasted fertilizer. The combined system was operated with two RC units, one for drone and second for broadcasting attachment. The developed system was tested for 2 levels of disc revolutions (300 rpm and 400 rpm), 3 levels of flow rate (2 kg/min, 2.5 kg/min and 3kg/min), 2 levels of height (1.5m and 2.5 m) and 3 levels of forward speed (1 m/s, 2 m/s and 3 m/s). The swath width and coefficient of variation (CV) for free swath width were in range of 3.39m to 4.67 m and 55.65 % to 79.08 %, respectively under all the treatment combinations. Theoretically, free swath widths were overlapped, stepwise, to find the swath widths with minimum CV under different treatment combinations. At selected minimum CV swath width, field capacity, application rate and field efficiency were found in range of 1.10 m to 2.20 m, 0.40 ha/hr to 2.38 ha/hr, 50.51 kg/ha to 378.79 kg/ha and 36.72% to 51.28%, respectively under all the treatment combinations. Minimum CV was found to be 9.4 % after overlapping. The highest field efficiency of 51.28 % was found at treatment combination H1F1N2S1 (1.5 m, 2 kg/min, 2.5 m and 1 m/s).
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Evaluation of different types of super seeders for sowing of wheat in combine harvested paddy fields
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Sunil Kumar; Narang, Mahesh Kumar
The super seeder machine with different blades and furrow openers was evaluated at three forward speeds (gear IA, IB and IC at 2400 rpm) in the combine harvested paddy fields. The experiment was conducted in two types of soils 1.e., sandy loam soil and sandy clay loam soil. During the evaluation of super seeder having different independent parameters like different types of blades (LJF type and L. type) and furrow openers (Single disc and Double disc). The dependent parameters were emergence count, plant height, grains per ear head, tillers per meter square, thousand grains weight, grain yield, field capacity and depth of seed placing. It was found that with an increase in forward speed, the field capacity of the super seeder was increased. Field capacity was found higher in the case of LJF type blades than the L type blade. The average field capacity at gear 1A, 1B, and IC at 2400 rpm were calculated 0.32 ha/h, 0.38 ha/h, and 0.46 ha/h respectively. The maximum grain yield was found 49.4 q/ha for the LJF type blade with double disc type furrow opener at a speed of F2 in both the soil sandy loam (SI) and sandy clay loam (S2) followed by 49.2 q/ha by L type blade with double disc type furrow opener at speed F1 and F2 in sandy clay loam (S2) and sandy loam soil (SI) respectively. It was recommended that LJF type blade, double disc furrow opener at forward speed of F2 (1B at 2400 rpm) for super seeder for both the soils. The super seeder was also compared with happy seeder machine at three forward speeds and two type of soils. All the dependent parameters like emergence count, plant height, grains per ear head, tillers per meter square, thousand grains weight, grain yield and field capacity were found nonsignificant effect in case of happy seeder and Super seeder Depth of seed placing was found more in case of happy seeder than super seeder. Maximum grain yield found in case of happy seeder was 49.9 q/ha and in case of super seeder was 49.4 q/ha.
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Development and evaluation of paddy straw size reduction machine for industrial application and energy production
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Mahadik, Akshay Sanjay; Dogra, Ritu
A motor operated paddy straw size reduction machine was designed, developed and evaluated. The machine consisted of a rotating inlet bale drum, an adjustable feeding grate, two rotating drums, three concave sieves, power unit, power transmission unit and discharge unit. A rotating bale drum was provided for feeding the square or rectangular bales to the machine. So, labour requirement was less in the developed machine as the bales were directly fed to the machine. The cutting mechanism was designed to cut the straw effectively. The knives were used for cutting the paddy straw which reduces the energy requirement of the machine. There were two rotating drums used in the cutting mechanism of the machine, where the first rotating drum cuts the straw and passes it to the second rotating drum for further size reduction as per the requirement. Power to the rotating drums were provided from suitable motor. An inclined platform as discharge unit was provided to draw out the chopped paddy straw from the machine. The machine was evaluated in the laboratory conditions at three level of grid size of concave (G1=8 mm, G2=10 mm and G3=12 mm), three levels of number of rows of counter blades (C1=3, C2=2 and C3=1), three levels of rotational speed of drum 1 (A1=851, A2=1020 and A3=1277 rpm) and three levels of rotational speed of drum 2 (B1=851, B2=1020 and B3=1277 rpm). These independent parameters significantly affected the dependent parameters namely energy consumption, output capacity and straw size (10-15 mm, 5-10 mm and 1-5 mm) percentage at 5% level of significance. Minimum energy consumption was 15.88 kWh/t found at combination of 12 mm (G3), one row of counter blades (C3), 851 rpm (A1) and 851 rpm (B1). Maximum output capacity was 668.01 kg/h found at combination of 12 mm (G3), one row of counter blades (C3), 1277 rpm (A3) and 1277 rpm (B3). The best combination of independent parameters for the machine was found at 12 mm of grid size of concave (G3), one row of counter blades (C3), 1020 rpm of rotational speed of drum 1 (A2) and 1020 rpm of rotational speed of drum 2 (B2) with higher output capacity of 575.68 kg/h, lower energy requirement of 18.60 kWh/t, higher straw size (10-15 mm) percentage (28.24%), higher straw size (5-10 mm) percentage (34.88%) and lower straw size (1-5 mm) percentage (16.85%).
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Development of sensor based integrated system for measuring soil compaction and electrical conductivity of soil.
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Vinay Kumar; Bector, Vishal
The tractor mounted and hydraulically operated real time sensor based integrated system for measuring soil compaction was successfully developed and evaluated in the field. The preliminary computer aided design version developed in the department was further modified and upgraded by using NX software considering its both direct modelling and parametric capabilities. The design parameters of the developed soil sensor were similar to ASAE Standard S313.3 with incorporation of soil electrical conductivity measuring sensors at the tip of the cone of the cone penetrometer. The major components of the developed cone penetrometer were frame, hydraulic cylinder, probe, ultrasonic depth sensor, global position system (GPS), control panel and data acquisition system. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the critical parts as well as the whole assembly with different types of materials was done by using ANSYs software. The Structural steel was selected for construction of frame of the soil sensor due to easy availability and cost efficiency. The En8 was selected for fabrication of probe of the assembly and low carbon-based steel (EN 8 BS970 080M40) material was selected for hydraulic cylinder. The developed soil sensor was evaluated in two different types of soil at two different locations after the harvesting of wheat crop, where the paddy crop was the previous crop in rice wheat rotation and paddy residue was managed as per the treatments. The three treatments for both the location were treatment T1 (rice residue retained on the soil), treatment T2 (rice residue removed manually) and treatment T3 (rice residue incorporated). The developed soil sensor showed sensing accuracy of 95.38 and 95.06% for soil compaction measurement in comparison with manual cone-penetrometer and, 73.42 and 74.45% for soil electrical conductivity measurement in comparison with standard laboratory method in sandy loam soil (S1) and loamy soil (S2), respectively. The coefficient of correlation between the developed soil sensor and hand cone penetrometer was R2= 0.88 and R2= 0.83 for site one and two respectively. The coefficient of correlation between the developed soil sensor and laboratory was R2= 0.93 and R2= 0.89 for sandy loam soil (S1) and loamy soil (S2) respectively for electrical conductivity. The overall results of the machined concluded that it was feasible to adopt the developed soil sensor to establish the reliable, faster and cost-effective soil compaction monitoring system with EC measurements.

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