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ThesisItem Embargo Effect of straw management practices on spectral based measurement of soil organic carbon(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Joshi, Raghav; Bector, VishalSoil organic carbon (SOC) is an important soil health parameter, which helps in determining additional inputs to be added in soil. Various straw management practices improve soil organic carbon of fields. Determination of SOC in laboratory by chemical analysis is time, labor and resource consuming. VIS-NIR spectroscopy offers simple, accurate, quick and effective methods for measurement of soil organic carbon. Therefore, in the present study, spectral signatures were captured from soil samples of different straw management fields using spectroradiometer, with the aim of determining soil organic carbon. Straw managed fields, where same practices were followed from the last three years, used in the study were residue incorporated fields, conventional tillage fields and mulched fields. Partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest regression (RF) and cubist regression model (CRM) were developed for estimation of soil organic carbon using spectral signatures. Predictive performances of the developed models were evaluated using different indices like coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD). Spectral signatures for dried fields at depths 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm were then measured. The field data were fed into the developed models for prediction of SOC, and compared with the laboratory SOC values. Results showed that residue incorporated fields had highest mean SOC of 0.65 %, whereas mulched field had mean SOC of 0.61 % and conventional tillage field had mean SOC of 0.55 %. While checking the model performances in validation, CRM obtained highest linear R2 (0.76) and RPD values (2.02); with PLSR obtaining R2 as 0.74 and RPD as 1.98; and RF obtaining R2 as 0.63 and RPD as 1.52. For field data, highest accuracy was attained for residue incorporated fields at 5-10 cm depth when PLSR model was used for prediction.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on tractor operated back-pack type axial flow combine harvester for mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.))(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Talukdar, Dipika; Dogra, BaldevMung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)) alternatively known as green gram is an ancient and popular pulse crop in India. Pulses serve as a major source of dietary protein of vegetarians. Cultivation of summer mung bean will also help in reducing the rate of depletion of natural resources, which is a prime concern in Punjab at present. Efficient mechanized harvesting is one of the constraints in the adoption of summer mung bean. Grain losses while combine harvesting of mung bean can be reduced by using an axial flow combine harvester. Recently low cost tractor operated back-pack type axial flow combine harvesters have been introduced in local market. Attachment and detachment of tractor is much easier than tractor on top combine harvester. These have the potential to reduce harvesting losses during harvesting. Performance of this machine was evaluated at three forward speeds (FS1=2.1, FS2=3.0 and FS3=4.8 kmh-1), three cylinder speeds (PS1=11.08, PS2=13.16 and PS3=14.79 ms-1) and days (2, 4 and 6) after last irrigation. The selected dependent variables were threshing efficiency, broken percentage, cleaning efficiency and shattering losses. The results indicated that the threshing efficiency increased with increase in days after last irrigation and cylinder peripheral speed, whereas it decreased with increase in forward speed. Similarly, the grain breakage increased with increase cylinder peripheral speed and days after last irrigation, however it decreased with increase in forward speed. The cleaning efficiency increased with increase in forward speed, whereas it decreased with increase in cylinder peripheral speed and days after last irrigation. The non-collectable loss increased with increase in forward speed and days after last irrigation, however, cylinder peripheral speed did not affect it. The shattering loss increased with increase in forward speed and days after last irrigation. However, cylinder peripheral speed did not affect it. The best combination of operational variables for threshing operation was DAI3PS3FS2 i.e. six days after last irrigation, at cylinder peripheral speed of 14.79 ms-1 and at forward speed of 3.0 kmh-1. At this combination, threshing efficiency, non-collectable losses, grain breakage and cleaning efficiency were 99.28%, 4.53%, 2.96% and 95.89%, respectively. The tractor operated backpack type axial flow combine harvester saved 90.26% labour cost and 53.71% cost of harvesting compared to combination of spike tooth type thresher and manual harvesting.ThesisItem Open Access Development and Evaluation of a solar photo voltaic assisted sprayer mounted on a self propelled carrier(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Dhar, Tushar; Rajesh SoniIndia is gifted with a vast potential in solar energy. Punjab has an average annual solar radiation is about 5.32 kWh/m?/day. This can be utilized to produce electricity using solar photo voltaic (SPV) system for running various farm devices/operations. A SPV assistedsprayermounted on a self propelledcarrier wwas developed which uses solar energy to charge the battery which simultaneouslyoperates the spray pump while the carrier was engine operated. Selection of solar panels was based on the solarradiation availabilityduringthe winter season in Ludhiana, Punjab. Hollow cone nozzles were selected for the sprayer. This was testedat pressures (2, 3 and 4 kg/cm) and heights (45, 50 and 55 cm) in a patternator for selection of best operational parameters for evaluation of field and spray parameters. The sprayer was operated at two forward speeds (0.6 and 0.7 m/s) in wheat. The application rate of the sprayerwas 156.23 1Vha at forward speed of 0.6 m/s whichwas within the recommended application rate for aphids in wheat. The actualfieldcapacitywas 0.49 ha/h and 0.59 ha/h at forward speeds of 0.6 m/s and 0.7 m/s respectively. The field efficiency of the developed sprayer was about 75-80%o. Spray parameters were determined at two different locations of the canopy(top and middle). Smaller droplets were observed at higherpressure. Uniformity coefficient variedfrom 1.59-2.32. Pressure and forward speed had a significant effect on the droplet density. The droplet density and spray coverage area was lesserat the underside of the leavescomparedto the upperside of leaves. Ground losses decreasedwith the increase in nozzle pressure.ThesisItem Restricted Development and Evaluation of Mustard (Brassica juncea L) Seed Planter(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ram Rang; Thakur, Surinder SinghMustard (Brassica juncea L) is one of the important oilseed crops in India. The present study was conducted to develop and evaluate the mustard (Brassica juncea L) seed planter. Two varieties of PAU mustard were selected i.e GSC-7 & RLC-3. The engineering properties of two seed varieties (RLC-3 & GSC-7) were studied and a vertical roller type metering device was developed for the sowing of mustard seeds. Preliminary evaluation of the developed planter was done in the laboratory on the basis of following parameters: two varieties (Gobhi sarson, Raya), two notch size and three forward speed of operation (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 km/h).The forward speed of 3.0 km/h was selected for field evaluation of machine and compared with control. Big notch setting has given better results at forward speed of 3.0 km/h.The performance of the developed planter in field were evaluated on the basis of Seed rate, germination (%), plant to plant spacing, yield and field capacity. There was significant effect of notch size on yield, The average yield was found for RLC -3 and GSC -7 varieties from date of sowing was 17.97 q/ha,18.79 q/ha,19.48 q/ha,19.18 q/ha,14.27 q/ha,11.41q/ha for treatment NSV1,NSV2,NBV1, NBV2,CV1 and CV2 respectively. The effect of notch size on germination was also significant. Average germination was observed 86.98 %, 85.59 %,86.99 %,85.40 %,78.42 % and 78.73 % for treatment NSV1, NSV2, NBV1, NBV2, CV1, and CV2 respectively. Actual field capacity of machine was found 0.46 ha/h ,0.43 ha/h, 0.50 ha/h, 0.49 ha/h, 0.26 ha/h and 0.23 ha/h for treatment of NSVI, NSV2, NBV1, NBV2, CV1, CV2 respectively.ThesisItem Restricted Development and Evaluation of Strip Till Seeder for Simultaneous Tillage and Sowing of Wheat in Paddy Residue Conditions(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Chaleka, Ashley Tafadzwa; Manpreet SinghA Strip-till seeder (STS) was developed to sow wheat in paddy residue conditions, and a study was conducted to evaluate and compare the performance of the machine with the already existing direct seeding machines i.e. Happy seeder (HS) and Super seeder (SS). Three levels of straw load (4.2, 5.2 & 6.0 t ha-1), three levels of forward speed (2.1, 2.6 & 3.2 km h-1) and two levels of machine rotor speed (127.5 and 137.2 rpm) were selected. Ratio of forward speed and rotor speed was expressed as speed index. Optimal combination of variables was selected on the basis of fuel consumption, effective field capacity, wheel slip, plant germination, weed emergence and grain yield. Effect of straw load was more pronounced on dependent variables than the effect of speed index. The STS performed best at a forward speed of 2.6 km h-1, rotor speed of 127.5 rpm and straw load of 6 t ha-1. Average fuel consumption using STS was between that of HS and SS. Weed density (30 DAS) in STS treatments was 36.7 and 53.7 % lower compared to HS and SS respectively. Plant germination was also comparatively higher in STS treatments. Average grain yield in STS-sown wheat was 12.7 and 18.9 % significantly higher than SS and HS, respectively. The STS performed better than the existing direct seeding machines. Therefore, strip tillage seeding technique proved to be a better option for in-situ straw management and it has the potential to combine benefits of residue mulching and incorporation.ThesisItem Restricted Development and evaluation of tractor operated bund former for mulched field(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Sood, Ashish; Dixit, Anoop KumarIn paddy-wheat crop production system, managing paddy straw fields is a cumbersome process. In these mulched fields bund forming is one of the major problem due to handling of loose as well as standing stubble of paddy straw. To deal with this a tractor operated bund former for mulched fields was developed and evaluated in the actual field. It performs three operations such as straw removing (up to 1.25 m width) followed by soil pulverization and trapezoidal shaped soil bund forming simultaneously in one pass. Field evaluation of the developed tractor operated bund former for mulched fields was conducted in harvested paddy field at University Seed Farm, Ladhowal, PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab. The effect of independent parameters such as three rotor speed ratio (3:1, 4:1 and 5:1), three opening width of bund forming plates (27, 34 and 41 cm) and two straw loads (4.0- 4.5 and 6.0 -6.5 t ha-1) was observed on the dependent parameters namely height of bund, width of bund, pulverization index, fuel consumption and field capacity. The effect of rotor speed ratio, opening width of bund forming plates and straw load was found significant (p<0.05) on height of bund, width of bund, pulverization index, fuel consumption. The best results were obtained at rotor speed ratio 4:1 and opening width of bund forming plates 34 cm under both straw loads. This combination gave optimum height of bund (27.76 cm), width of bund (72 cm), pulverization index (12.76 mm) and fuel consumption (7.05 l h-1) under both the straw loads. The effective field capacity of developed tractor operated bund former was found to be 1.17 ha h-1 at forward travel speed of 1.5 km h-1. The operational cost of the developed bund former machine was found to be Rs 1921.86 ha-1 while cost of forming bund per metre length was Rs 1.45 m-1. There was 77.78 % saving in labour over the conventional bund forming method.ThesisItem Restricted Development and Evaluation of Tractor Operated Pea Pod Picker Mechanism(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Bhad, Rahul; Goyal, RajeshThe pea is most consistently the little spherical seed and belongs to Fabaceae family. India isn't just the biggest consumer of green peas, yet in addition it takes second place in worldwide green pea cultivation, following China. In India the area under green pea cultivation is 540.5 thousand hectares. Presently, green pea crop is cultivated on approximate 35 thousand hectares in Punjab. Out of this 90% area is cultivated under early maturing variety of green pea. Picking of green pea is labor intensive. Therefore, to lower the cost of manual labor, mechanized picking of pea pod is required. A conceptual design of tractor operated pea pod picker mechanism was conceived by keeping in view the agronomic practices and harvesting of pea pods. The developed machine consists of crop guide, picking drum, continuous belt conveyor and aspirator unit. As the machine moves in the field the rotating drum strips out the pea pods from the vines. The machine was evaluated in terms of picking efficiency, percentage of damaged pods, trash content in detached pods, fuel consumption and field capacity at different independent parameters like forward speed 1.5 km/h (F1), 2.0 km/h (F2) and 2.4 km/h (F3), drum peripheral speed 95 rpm (D1), 110 rpm (D2) and 125 rpm (D3) and curved (T1) & straight (T2) tines. Forward speed showed significant effect on picking efficiency and field capacity. The best combination of independent parameters for the pea pod picker mechanism according to maximum picking efficiency (68.27%), minimum damaged pod (8.57%), trash content in detached pods (22.45%) and fuel consumption (1.17 l/h) was found with 95 drum rpm (D1), 1.5 km/h forward speed (F1) and straight tine (T2). To maximize the picking efficiency and further minimize the damaged pea pods and trash content in detached pea pods, modifications and refinements are needed to be done in the developed pea pod picker mechanism.ThesisItem Open Access Development and evaluation of system for torrefaction of paddy straw(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Gurpreet Singh; Soni, RajeshThe disposal of surplus paddy straw is a serious problem in North-West India. About two-third of the 22 MT paddy straw produced in Punjab is openly burnt in fields. All the existing onsite and offsite methods to manage paddy straw have met with limited success. Biomass co-firing with coal in large thermal power plants is a promising technology for its utilization. Agricultural residues including paddy straw are herbaceous type of biomass. This herbaceous biomass have several unfavorable characteristics that hinder their use in power plants. These include low bulk density, hydrophobicity, high moisture content, and degradation during storage, and low energy density. Pre-treatment of biomass through torrefaction (followed by pelletization) can resolve most of these problems. In this study, the paddy straw was torrefied in an oven at various temperatures viz 230, 240 and 250°C and various durations viz 20, 30 and 40 minutes. The effect of torrefaction on paddy straw properties were studied. Thereafter, a bench scale reactor for torrefaction of around 0.8 kg of paddy straw was designed and fabricated. The unique feature of this reactor was the division of the reactor into four vertical zones. The lower most zone was meant for combustion of the paddy straw to provide additional heat to the upper zones and to assist heat transfer to the upper zones. On the basis of lab studies done earlier, the duration and temperature of 30 minutes and 250°C respectively were selected for bench scale studies. With proper insulation of the reactor, the desired torrefaction condition could be achieved in the lower 10 cm of the reactor. The studies show that with the existing mode of heating, the height of the torrefaction reactor should be limited to 10 cm only. The grinding energy reduced to 6-7 kW/kg. The average particle size decreased, moisture content of straw also decreased to less than 6.4% while the gross heating value increased to 17.07 MJ/kg, mass yield and energy yield of torrefied paddy straw was 0.87 and 1.05 respectively. Thus torrefied straw acquired more coal like properties. This improves the suitability of torrefied straw co-firing with coal in unmodified thermal power plants.ThesisItem Open Access Development and evaluation of chain pot paper type onion (Allium cepa L.) transplanter(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Kamalpreet Singh; Thakur, S.S.The present study was conducted to develop and evaluate the chain pot paper type transplanter for onion crop. The transplanter was developed using Solid Edge V20 and then fabricated with the help of local manufacturer. Two varieties of onion were selected i.e Punjab Naroya and PRO 6. Two ages of seedlings were kept i.e 30 days and 40 days. Evaluation of the developed transplanter was performed using two surface treatments i.e flat and raised bed. Performance was evaluated on the basis of field capacity, plants per metre length, damage to seedlings, seedling height, bulb size and yield. There was significant effect of age of seedlings on their height. The average height of seedlings after 80 days from transplanting observed were 31.50 cm, 25.93 cm, 31.17 cm, 24.27 cm, 34.00 cm, 28.17 cm, 34.63 cm and 27.97 cm for treatments S1V1A1, S1V1A2, S1V2A1, S1V2A2, S2V1A1, S2V1A2, S2V2A1 and S2V2A2 respectively. The average plants per metre length was found to be 10 in all the treatments. The effect of varieties and age of seedlings on the bulb size was found to be significant. The average bulb size observed were 5.18 cm, 5.10 cm, 5.51 cm, 5.60 cm, 5.70 cm, 5.70 cm, 5.61 cm and 5.55 cm for treatments S1V1A1, S1V1A2, S1V2A1, S1V2A2, S2V1A1, S2V1A2, S2V2A1 and S2V2A2 respectively. The effect of varieties of onion and field surface on the yield was found to be significant. The average yield observed were 33.5 t/ha, 32.8 t/ha, 29.5 t/ha, 28.5 t/ha, 34.9 t/ha, 34.1 t/ha, 30.9 t/ha and 29.8 t/ha for treatments S1V1A1, S1V1A2, S1V2A1, S1V2A2, S2V1A1, S2V1A2, S2V2A1 and S2V2A2 respectively. Theoretical field capacity of the transplanter was 0.024 ha/h and actual field capacity of the transplanter was 0.016 ha/h.
