Optimization of Crop Harvesting and Processing Machines, Through Modification of the Soil Biochemical Properties

Abstract

This work investigated the impact of soil biochemical properties on the mechanical properties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) kernels, which are necessary for the design of production and optimization of harvesting and handling and processing operations equipment. Okra and groundnut were cultivated under seven soil treatment programs, which are: T1, the control; T2 treatment with composted manure at the of 2500 kg/ha; T3, treatment with composted manure at the rate of 3500 kg/ha; T4, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha; T5, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg/ha; T6, treatment with the combination of 1500 kg/ha of compost manure + 50 kg/ha of fertilizer; and T7, treatment with the combination of 2000 kg/ha of compost manure + 100 kg/ha of fertilizer. At peak maturity stage, the okra pods and groundnut kernels were harvested and subjected compression test, using a universal testing machine, at a speed of 10 mm/min. Findings of the study revealed that okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with compost manure (T2 and T3) both had higher failure force, failure energy, failure strain, rupture energy and rupture force, than the okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (T4 and T5); but a combination of the compost manure and fertilizer (T6 and T7) gave better results than the individual treatments. The groundnut kernels’ failure force ranged between 67.5 N and 131.58 N; while the okra pods’ failure force ranged between 62.77 N and 112.88 N. The results further revealed that the okra pods’ failure energy varied from 0.172 Nm to 0.324 Nm; while the groundnut kernels’ failure energy ranged from 0.044 Nm to 0.084 Nm. Similarly, the failure strain of the groundnut kernels ranged between 30.1% and 37.8%; while the failure strain of the okra pods ranged between 20.1% and 31.3%. Additionally, the groundnut kernels’ rupture force ranged between 62.89 N and 126.21 N; while the okra pod’s rupture force ranged between 59.44 N and 108.22 N. The results of this research can be used to optimize the operation of harvesting, transportation and manufacturing of processing machines; thus increasing food production.