Agricultural Engineering Technology Research Articles

Examining Student Perceptions of Engagement and Learning in a Flipped Introductory Agricultural Mechanics Course

Active, student-centered approaches to teaching and learning in university classrooms have been given greater focus in recent years. Consequently, the use of flipped classrooms in American universities has proliferated considerably. Evidence suggests that flipped classrooms have been successfully employed in agricultural coursework, such as university-level agricultural mechanics courses. Theoretically underpinned by Murillo-Zamorano et al.’s (2019) Flipped Classroom in Higher Education model, the purpose of our study was to determine students’ perceptions of their engagement and learning in a flipped introductory-level agricultural mechanics course taught at Illinois State University. We used a valid and reliable electronic instrument to collect data from 61 undergraduate students over the course of four semesters. Our findings indicate that using a flipped classroom design to deliver an introductory-level agricultural mechanics course is a worthy endeavor that can positively impact students’ course experience. We are seeing similar results each semester, which suggest that our students prefer this teaching style over a traditional lecture style. The lead author intends to continue teaching the AGR 130: Introduction to Agricultural Engineering Technology course with a flipped classroom design for the foreseeable future. Our recommendations include: (1) instructors of introductory-level agricultural mechanics courses consider using a flipped classroom approach and (2) replicating our study to further examine this topic.

Fast Recognition Method for Multiple Apple Targets in Complex Occlusion Environment Based on Improved YOLOv5

The mechanization and intelligentization of the production process are the main trends in research and development of agricultural products. The realization of an unmanned and automated picking process is also one of the main research hotspots in China’s agricultural product engineering technology field in recent years. The development of automated apple-picking robot is directly related to imaging research, and its key technology is to use algorithms to realize apple identification and positioning. Aiming at the problem of false detection and missed detection of densely occluded targets and small targets by apple picking robots under different lighting conditions, two different apple recognition algorithms are selected based on the apple shape features to study the traditional machine learning algorithm: histogram of oriented gradients + support vector machine (HOG + SVM) and a fast recognition method for multiple apple targets in a complex occlusion environment based on improved You-Only-Look-Once-v5 (YOLOv5). The first is the improvement of the CSP structure in the network. Using parameter reconstruction, the convolutional layer (Conv) and the batch normalization (BN) layer in the CBL (Conv + BN + Leaky_relu activation function) module are fused into a batch-normalized convolutional layer Conv_B. Subsequently, the CA (coordinate attention) mechanism module is embedded into different network layers in the improved designed backbone network to enhance the expressive ability of the features in the backbone network to better extract the features of different apple targets. Finally, for some targets with overlapping occlusions, the loss function is fine-tuned to improve the model’s ability to recognize occluded targets. By comparing the recognition effects of HOG + SVM, Faster RCNN, YOLOv6, and baseline YOLOv5 on the test set under complex occlusion scenarios, the F 1 value of this method was increased by 13.47%, 6.01%, 1.26%, and 3.63%, respectively, and the F 1 value of this method was increased by 19.36%, 13.07%, 1.61%, and 4.27%, respectively, under different illumination angles. The average image recognition time was 0.27 s faster than that of HOG + SVM, 0.229 s faster than that of Faster RCNN, and 0.006 s faster than that of YOLOv6. The method is expected to provide a theoretical basis for apple-picking robots to choose a pertinent image recognition algorithm during operation.

Developing Ecological Agricultural Engineering to Promote Rural Revitalization in China

Ecological agricultural engineering is a necessary innovation and expansion of China’s agricultural engineering science and technology that aims to meet the overall, the whole chain and the coordinated development needs of the whole system for rural revitalization. Focusing on ecological agricultural engineering, this paper introduces its development and early practice and technology, and also discusses its development direction, development path, and important role in boosting rural revitalization. The development of ecological agricultural engineering will play an important role in China’s agricultural production practice, agricultural engineering discipline construction and agricultural and rural modernization.

Development and performance evaluation of cowpea threshing machine

A cowpea threshing machine was designed, constructed and evaluated in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The machine was constructed using locally available materials with the primary aim of reducing drudgery attached to the traditional method of threshing cowpea. The machine consisted of the hopper, the threshing unit, the cleaning unit, the outlet and a single phase electric motor. The machine was evaluated based on the varied operating speed of 450rpm, 550rpm and 650rpm and moisture content of 13.5%, 14.5% and 15.5% respectively. The results showed that the machine efficiency increases with increase in feed rate and decrease in moisture content. An optimum level of 94.4% efficiency was observed at the speed of 650rpm and moisture content of 13.5%.

Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a cowpea threshing machine

A cowpea threshing machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The machine was fabricated using locally available materials with the primary aim of reducing drudgery attached to the traditional method of threshing cowpea. The machine consists of the hopper, the threshing unit, the cleaning unit and the outlet. A 3-horsepower single phase electric motor served as the prime mover for the thresher. The machine was evaluated based on the varying operating speeds of 450 rpm, 550 rpm and 650 rpm and moisture contents of 13.5%, 14.5% and 15.5% respectively. The results showed that the machine efficiency increased with an increase in feed rate and a decrease in moisture content. An optimum level of 94.4% efficiency was observed at the speed of 650 rpm and moisture content of 13.5%.

Research on the Application of Agricultural Engineering Technology in Agricultural Modernization

Research on the Application of Agricultural Engineering Technology in Agricultural Modernization

Comparative Assessment of Splash Erosion Measuring Devices in Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State

Soil erosion is recognized as a global threat against the sustainability of the natural ecosystem and the environment because of its severe effects in agricultural productivity, damage to infrastructure and pollution of water bodies. This study aims to compare the splash erosion on open field using Morgan and splash board method. The fabrication of the splash cups and splash board was carried based on the principles of the already existing devices in literature and in the department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology Auchi Polytechnic Auchi. The rainstorm depth ranged from 7 to 81 mm and the computed KE obtained ranged from 294 to 3233.4 J/m 2 . A total of 15 rainfall events were used in the season. For site A the amount of soil splashed per rainfall event ranged from 0.02 g/m 2 to 4.77 g/m 2 and zero (no splash) to 2.39 g/m 2 for Morgan cup and Splash board device respectively. Studies of splash erosion on cultivated land should be made to determine the effect of cultivation on the soil in the area. Keywords: Morgan’s Splash cup, splash board, kinetic energy, soil erosion, splash erosion, rainstorm DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-4-06 Publication date: April 30 th 2021

Research on the Application of Agricultural Engineering Technology in Agricultural Modernization

In recent years, with the rapid improvement of China’s science and technology level, China’s agricultural engineering technology has also made considerable progress. The development of agricultural engineering technology provides an important technical foundation for the realization of agricultural modernization, especially in the effective use of agricultural resources, the improvement of agricultural labor productivity, and the transformation of agricultural production and operation methods. Therefore, we must increase the promotion and application of agricultural engineering technology in various agricultural production and operation activities. This will help promote the gradual development of China’s agricultural production in the direction of mechanization, automation, informationization and intelligence, so as to fully realize the modernization of China’s agriculture.

Agricultural Informatics as a Branch of Study in Information Sciences and Technology Domain-A Proposal towards Digital Agriculture

Agricultural Informatics is a valuable domain in the field of interdisciplinary sciences. This is responsible for the applications of Information Technology, Computing and similar technologies into the agricultural activities. This is the combination of Agricultural Science and Information Sciences. The field due to technological nature is much closed with the Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural Technology. There are many allied and similar nomenclature of the fields but all of these are primarily responsible for the same purpose. The field is rapidly increasing in recent past and most practiced in the developed nation. However, in developing countries as well Agricultural Informatics becomes an emerging field of practice and growing rapidly. Agricultural Informatics is growing both in pre and post agricultural activity. This branch is considered as branch of Information Sciences & Technology due to its technological applications in the field of agriculture and allied areas. Information Sciences are the broadest field within the allied branches and growing rapidly. Agricultural Informatics educational programs have started in recent past in different level and stream of education viz. science and technology. However within the broad periphery of Information Sciences it could be offered in other streams and under the wide variety of Information Sciences. This paper is broad and interdisciplinary in nature and deals with the aspects of the Information Sciences and Technology including features, nature, scope and also the potentialities in respect of Agricultural Informatics.

Agricultural Informatics as a Branch of Study in Information Sciences and Technology Domain: A Proposal towards Digital Agriculture

Agricultural Informatics is an important and valuable domain in the field of interdisciplinary sciences. This is responsible for the applications of Information Technology, Computing, and similar technologies into the agricultural activities. This is the combination of Agricultural Science and Information Sciences. The field due to technological nature is very closed with the Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural Technology. There are many allied and similar nomenclature of the fields, but all of these are primarily responsible for the same purpose. The field is rapidly increasing in recent past and most practiced in the developed nation. However, in developing countries as well Agricultural Informatics becomes an emerging field of practice and growing rapidly. Agricultural Informatics is growing both in pre and post agricultural activity. This branch is considered as branch of Information Sciences & Technology due to its technological applications in the field of agriculture and allied areas. Information Sciences are the broadest field within the allied branches and growing rapidly. Agricultural Informatics educational programs have started in recent past in different level and stream of education viz. science and technology. However, within the broad periphery of Information Sciences it could be offered in other streams and under the wide variety of Information Sciences. This paper is broad and interdisciplinary in nature and deals with the aspects Information Sciences including features, basic role, Information Sciences and Technology, including features, nature, scope and also the potentialities in respect of Agricultural Informatics.

Performance of Soilwat Model for Soil Physical Properties Simulation in Auchi, Edo State

The physical properties of soils are dominant factors affecting the use of a soil which determine the availability of O2 in soils, the mobility of water into and though soils and case of root penetration and the chemical and biological behavior of soil. The aim of this paper was to investigate the performance of soil physical properties data was OILWAT model in the prediction of soil physical properties. adapted from previous study in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology.

Situation, Problems and Governance Policies of Agriculture Related Pollution in China

Agriculture related pollutants have been thought as one of the dominant contributors to contamination of environmental systems, which have an increasing destructive effect and a rising emission trend, and baffle the sustainable development of agriculture, rural area and the whole national economy in China. The study first analyzed the situation of agricultural fertilizer and pesticide use and the livestock and poultry farming related emission, and then proceeded with the EKC study, finally explored evolution process of China’s agriculture related environmental policies and the existing main disadvantages. Some policy-making issues are also discussed for pollution prevention. Implementing ecological agricultural engineering technology to develop ecological circular agriculture and breaking the urban-rural dual structure to realize the integration of urban and rural development are the core policies of agricultural sustainable development, with systematic use and extension of the rural methane project as crux of agricultural ecology in China

Selection of an index system for evaluating the application level of agricultural engineering technology

Determining the application level of agricultural engineering technology is essential for formulating regional development strategies. The objective of this work is to establish an index system for evaluating the application of agricultural engineering technology and develop an algorithm for selecting appropriate indicators. Primarily, indicators are selected based on a literature study and the specific situation of Shouguang city, leading to 24 indexes across eight criteria. In this study, a four-layer architecture is designed for the index system, and indicators are optimized according to the relationship between the layers and an objective function. The results indicate that the relation matrix, criteria matrix, and optimization method are effective. In the process of optimization, the average age, technical satisfaction, and acceptance of new technologies are discarded. Subsequently, an index system including 21 indicators is shown to have an integrity level of 88.6%, which is sufficient for practical applications.

Technology Foresight Research on China's Agricultural Engineering Science and Technology to 2035

Technology Foresight Research on China's Agricultural Engineering Science and Technology to 2035

Recovery of farmlands from the tsunami damage using the agricultural engineering technology

Recovery of farmlands from the tsunami damage using the agricultural engineering technology

Assessment of Student Learning of Design Skills from a First-Semester Design Project

Students are known to be motivated by course activities that are relevant to their careers. Design projects offer this type of real-life experience and have the potential to provide a rich environment for learning engineering design skills. The objective of this study was to assess student learning of the design process resulting from a first-semester course organized around a team design project. Biological and agricultural engineering (BAE) and agricultural technology management (ATM) students prepared a functional layout design for one of eight BAE/ATM student spaces within Seaton Hall. The development of the layout design followed a design process, culminating in a presentation to the client (department head) and other constituents. Students were assessed using multiple instruments: self-assessment, assessment of the presentation, and a short-answer exam. Results were classified according to seven elements of the design process: (1) teamwork, (2) information gathering, (3) problem definition, (4) idea generation, (5) evaluation and decision making, (6) implementation, and (7) communication. Students appeared to learn in proportion to their perceived level of class emphasis in the problem-definition element and the teamwork element. Students both learned the problem-definition element and recognized this progress, which was considered a critical advance for first-semester engineers. Higher levels of understanding were demonstrated in the communication element and the information-gathering element despite a perceived lesser class emphasis. Further work is needed to control for student prior knowledge of the design process elements and to train students in self-assessment.

Experts’ Opinions Concerning the Agricultural Engineering Technology/Mechanization Component of Teacher Education in Agriculture

The goal of this investigation was to determine opinions of agricultural teacher education experts (who have a knowledge of the agricultural engineering technologies/agricultural mechanization component of instruction) regarding the future directions and leadership needs for agricultural engineering/mechanization instruction at secondary and post- secondary levels. The findings of this study indicated that agricultural engineering technologies are viable components of public school agricultural education programs. Also, that there is a strong need for leadership, cooperation, and vision for agricultural engineering technology education at all levels. Recommendations suggest that the American Society of Agricultural Engineers should provide leadership for implementing revisions and changes for public school agricultural engineering technology education.