Furrow Depth Research Articles

Effects of Burial Furrow Parameters on Soil Water Movement under Subsurface Stalk Composite Pipe Irrigation

Stalk composite pipe (SCP), a novel product used for subsurface irrigation, is primarily composed of crop stalks, soil, and water. In subsurface SCP irrigation (SSI), comprehending the effects of burial furrow parameters on soil water movement is critical. However, the precise effects are not known. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of varying burial furrow dimensions, including widths of 15, 20, and 25 cm, depths of 10, 15, and 20 cm, and backfilling-soil bulk densities of 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 g cm−3, on wetted distance and soil water movement. We conducted an indoor soil bin experiment and numerical simulation using HYDRUS-2D in 2020–2021 in Zhengzhou City, Northern China. Wider burial furrows resulted in increased wetted distance and soil water content, ultimately leading to greater effect in a horizontal direction. In the horizontal profile, the average soil water content of the SSI treatments, which used burial furrow widths of 15, 20, and 25 cm, were 1.121, 1.230, and 1.280 times higher, respectively, than those of CK. The burial furrow depth had minimal effect on the wetted distance, whereas adjusting the burial furrow depth primarily affected the saturation depth. The speed of wetting-front migration was affected by the backfilling-soil bulk density. For a given soil and crop, it is advisable to determine first the burial furrow width and backfilling-soil bulk density. Subsequently, the burial furrow depth should be established based on the distribution of the crop’s roots. Our findings offer a scientific basis for using SSI.

Soil mobilization in function of sowing speed in maize

The sowing process can be affected by constructive differences related to the seeder, morphological and climatological conditions, and depending on the working speed used. The performance of the furrow opening components of the seeders is essential for obtaining good yields and productivity of maizecrops. This work aims to evaluate maize sowing with a Massey Ferguson tractor model MF 7370 with power of 125 kW pneumatic seeder-fertilizer as a function of its behavior at the different displacement speeds. The statistical design used was randomized blocks, with six displacement speeds, approximately (V1=2.0; V2=4.7; V3=6.5; V4=8.1; V5=10.3 and V6=12.3 km h-1), for the maize crop, with four replications, totaling 24 experimental plots. Soil mobilization parameters were evaluated: furrow width and depth, furrow mobilized area, and furrow opening angle. As agronomic traits were evaluated: the number of days for sowing emergence, initial and final sowing population, and grain yield. The mobilized area, angle, and depth of the furrowing fitted the quadratic regression model, while sulcus width had an increasing linear effect. Intermediate speeds V4 (8.1 km h-1) showed the highest values of the mobilized area and furrow depth and the lowest furrow angle value, whereas V3 (6.5 km h-1) presented the highest yield (8902 kg ha-1).

Research Progress on the Development of the Planter Unit for Furrowing Control and the Depth Measurement Technology

The article briefly describes the importance of furrowing depth stability for seed germination and growth under precision seeding conditions. By analyzing the application status of furrowing depth control technology of the planter globally, the research method, technical characteristics, and development of furrowing depth stability control technology are reviewed from three key aspects, namely, profiling adjustment device, furrowing depth detection technology, and automatic control system. In this paper, (1) two types of profiling adjustments, active and passive, are described based on the difference in the downforce adjustment method; (2) three furrowing depth detection methods are described based on different sensors; (3) and three ways of regulating the furrowing depth system are summarized based on the different ways of evaluating the stability of furrowing depth. In addition, the characteristics and application requirements of global furrow depth control technology are summarized. It is proposed that the future planter should be developed in the direction of automatic navigation, automatic monitoring and evaluation of seeding quality, variable seeding, high-speed seeding, and other intelligent precision seeding techniques. The summary and outlook of this paper aim to promote the overall development of furrowing depth control technology.

Experimental analysis of nanostructured PEEK, African giant snail shell, and sea snail shell powder for hydroxyapatite formation for bone implant applications

This experimental research focuses on the nanostructure analysis of three materials; polyether ether ketone (PEEK), African land giant snail shell (ALGSS), and sea snail shell (SSS) powder, for the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings in bone implant applications. The study aimed to evaluate these materials’ surface characteristics, furrow depth, density, and other relevant parameters to assess their suitability as bone implant materials. The nanostructure analysis revealed distinct characteristics for each material. PEEK exhibited shallow furrows and a high density of furrows, making it a favourable substrate for hydroxyapatite coating formation. The ISO 25178 roughness analysis further characterised surface roughness and topography. African land giant snail shell powder, displayed a high material ratio, indicating a potential for hydroxyapatite conversion for biomedical application. The sea snail shell powder demonstrated intermediate furrow depth and density, warranting further investigation for optimisation as a precursor for hydroxyapatite coatings. The findings emphasise the significance of nanostructure properties in bone implant materials. The tailored nanostructure of materials such as PEEK, the synthesized powder can influence their biocompatibility, osseointegration, and long-term performance. The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the nanostructure properties of these materials, contributing to the understanding of their potential for bone implant applications. Overall, this experimental research is significant and provides valuable insights into the nanostructure characteristics of PEEK, African land giant snail shell powder, and sea snail shell powder and they all demonstrated the potential of forming hydroxyapatite coatings. These findings contribute to advancements in bone implantology, paving enhancing innovative and improved bone implant materials

Analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of autotransplantation of teeth

BACKGROUND: The successful technique of autotransplantation of wisdom teeth as an additional method of restoring dentition in patients with impending removal of the first or second molars is relevant.
 AIM: To assess the effectiveness of autotransplantation of wisdom teeth instead of an extracted tooth (first or second molars).
 METHODS: The study analyzed 30 patients aged 2238 years who were treated at the Ryazan Regional Clinical Hospital (Department of Maxillofacial Surgery) and Prime Dental Clinic LLC between January 2016 and August 2022 and underwent autotransplantation of a tooth. We evaluated the mobility of the replanted teeth, nociceptive sensitivity, depth of the dentoalveolar furrow, and computed tomography (CT) results. To assess the effectiveness of the technique, the Periotest M device, periodontal chart, and photoprotocol were used.
 RESULTS: During the study, the survival rate of the replanted teeth was 100%. The depth of the dentoalveolar furrow reached normal values in 93% of clinical cases and mobility within normal limits in 87% of cases. On CT, no signs of ankylosis and inflammation of bone tissue in the area of the transplanted teeth were observed in all the studied patients.
 CONCLUSION: Autotransplantation of a tooth is an effective and well-predicted technique that allows restoring the integrity of the dentition in patients indicated for the removal of the first or second molars.

Optimization and Design of Disc-Type Furrow Opener of No-Till Seeder for Green Manure Crops in South Xinjiang Orchards

For the issues of the poor stability of the furrow opener depth, large soil backfill depth, and inconsistent furrow shape on a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards in South Xinjiang, a double-disc, corrugated furrow opener is designed. This paper analyzes the law of soil movement between corrugated double-disc and traditional double-disc furrow openers using the discrete element method (DEM) and concludes that the corrugation width and number of corrugations on the corrugated double-disc furrow opener are the primary factors affecting furrowing operation. When the number of corrugations is sixteen, the forward speed is six kilometers per hour, and when the corrugation width is seventeen and a half millimeters, the simulation operation parameters are optimal. The soil-bin validation experiment results are as follows: Under the condition of an 80 mm furrow depth, the stability of the average furrow depth is enhanced by 3.54%, the working resistance and the average disrupted soil area are increased by 26.16 N and 220 mm2, respectively, and the backfill depth is decreased by 10.98 mm. The operation effect of a double-disc furrow opener with corrugated discs is enhanced by the high stability of the furrow depth, low working resistance, and small backfill depth. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of the furrow opener components of a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards.

Remote sensing in mapping biodiversity – A case study of epiphytic lichen communities

In boreal forests, European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a keystone species that hosts a variety of accompanying species including epiphytic lichens. Forest management actions have led to a decrease in aspen abundance and subsequent loss of suitable habitats of epiphytic lichens. In this study, we evaluate the environmental responses of epiphytic lichen species richness and community composition on aspen, focusing on the potential of remote sensing by combined hyperspectral imaging and airborne laser scanning to identify suitable habitats for epiphytic lichens. We measured different substrate and habitat parameters in the field (e.g., aspen diameter and bark pH) and by remote sensing (e.g., mean canopy height and tree species composition of the surrounding forest) in the study area in Southern Finland that includes protected and non-protected forest. We used linear regression and the Hierarchical Model of Species Communities (HMSC) to compare how the different parameters explain and predict lichen species richness and community composition, respectively. We show that coarse predictions of epiphytic lichen community composition can be made using parameters extracted from remote sensing data. Estimated mean canopy height, tree density, dominant tree species and tree species diversity of the stand predicted the species community on aspens slightly better than field parameters. Remote sensing variables calculated over a larger area (30 m radius) always outperformed the same variables calculated over a smaller area (10 m radius) in predicting community composition, highlighting the cost-efficiency of remote sensing compared to covering a similar area with on-ground measurements. These results are encouraging for the prospects of using remote sensing data to direct field inventories and to map potential high-biodiversity habitats. Aspen bark pH was the only parameter affecting species richness regardless of whether the forest was protected or not, whereas, interestingly, the effects of tree diameter, height and furrow depth were only significant in protected areas. Our results also underline the importance of protected areas, since they hosted a higher tree-specific number of epiphytic lichen species, and red listed species, than non-protected areas.

Spring pasture renewal involving full inversion tillage and a summer crop can facilitate soil C storage, improve crop yields and lower N leaching

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in pastoral soils could offset net greenhouse gas emissions by reducing global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and, thereby, slow climate warming. Long-term pastures typically have topsoils (0–10 cm) rich in SOC, with subsoils (10–30 cm) storing less than half as much SOC. In New Zealand, lowland farmers are advised to renew (reseed) their pastures every 7–10 years to improve pasture production. Renewal typically involves desiccating the old pasture followed by shallow tillage (or direct drilling) to establish a short season forage crop as a weed break, then direct drilling new pasture species. Minimum till at renewal maintains the vertical stratification of SOC, limiting the scope to increase SOC stocks under new pasture. During the spring of 2016 and 2017, two independent trials were established, on an Alfisol (trial 1) and on an Andisol (trial 2), to assess the effects of establishing a summer Brassica crop with either full inversion tillage (FIT; 30 cm furrow depth, as a one-off or infrequent (every 25–30 years) management), shallow tillage or no-till (direct drill) on SOC stocks and crop/pasture agronomic performance. In autumn, new pasture species were direct drilled into the stubble of the summer forage crop. Changes in SOC vertical distribution, plant growth, herbage quality (at both trials) and nitrogen (N) leaching (trial 1 only) were monitored. At both trials, FIT effectively buried SOC below 0–10 cm depth and increased crop yields compared to no-till treatment. After re-grassing pasture production was similar among all treatments. In trial 1, N leaching losses were 42% lower under FIT than under no-till. These results highlight the potential agronomic and environmental benefits of pasture renewal including FIT. Economic and N cycling benefits depend on the timely inclusion of a crop phase.

Effect of tool and operational parameters on soil disruption single point tractor operated cultivator shovels in sandy loam soil

Single point shovels type furrow openers are simple in design and because of their simple low-cost construction; they are widely used in cultivator for opening the soil. The study was conducted on the soil disruption by tractor operated cultivator type single point shovel to improve soil conditions in sandy loam soil using six types of single point shovels at operational speed (1.53 and 1.81 m/s ) and depth of operation of (0.10 and 0.12 m), respectively. Shovel S5 gave more spoil furrow width, spoil furrow depth, spoil area and trench area compared to the other single point shovels.

Geometric and topological approaches to shape variation in Ginkgo leaves.

Leaf shape is a key plant trait that varies enormously. The range of applications for data on this trait requires frequent methodological development so that researchers have an up-to-date toolkit with which to quantify leaf shape. We generated a dataset of 468 leaves produced by Ginkgo biloba, and 24 fossil leaves produced by evolutionary relatives of extant Ginkgo. We quantified the shape of each leaf by developing a geometric method based on elastic curves and a topological method based on persistent homology. Our geometric method indicates that shape variation in modern leaves is dominated by leaf size, furrow depth and the angle of the two lobes at the leaf base that is also related to leaf width. Our topological method indicates that shape variation in modern leaves is dominated by leaf size and furrow depth. We have applied both methods to modern and fossil material: the methods are complementary, identifying similar primary patterns of variation, but also revealing different aspects of morphological variation. Our topological approach distinguishes long-shoot leaves from short-shoot leaves, both methods indicate that leaf shape influences or is at least related to leaf area, and both could be applied in palaeoclimatic and evolutionary studies of leaf shape.

Depth, coverage and spacing of the furrows in mechanized sugarcane plantation with planter and distributor in the day and night shifts

Mechanized planting, is one of the main operations in the sugarcane production cycle that directly affects the longevity of the shoots, the crop yield and the profitability of the crop. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the furrow depth, furrow coverage and furrows spacing in a mechanized sugarcane plantation with a planter and a distributor in the day and night shifts of operation, using as statistical analysis quality control tool. In both shifts were sampled 30 points, where was collect data of furrow depth, furrow coverage and furrows spacing. The quality indicators of mechanized sugarcane planting are not influenced by the day and night shifts, and present values considered satisfactory when carrying out mechanized planting with a planter or distributor.

Research of the soil plowing technology on slope lands with a circular profilograph

A number of indicators estimates the quality of tillage during field operations. Thus the assessment takes time that is not always reasonable. To control the quality of tillage on slope agricultural landscapes we propose a newly developed technical means for profiling the day soil surface. A specific feature of the technical means is an automated circular scanning with a rangefinder. The scanning radius of the day soil surface can be variable or constant. Processing of the obtained data array is performed in a semi-automatic mode. Thus, we can get full information about the impact of agricultural machine on the soil, i.e. to assess the lumpiness, plowing, furrow depth, straightness of plowing and other measurements within a short time span. Simultaneously the assessment of slope is performed when the machine is moving along and across the slope. The way the machine impacts the soil, shows if soil conditions, adjustments, timing of work and other conditions have been specified correctly. Thus, due to the rapid comprehensive assessment of the impact on the soil, the proposed approach makes it possible to adapt the operating modes to the various soil properties on slope agricultural landscapes in the shortest time possible.

Avaliação da qualidade do plantio semimecanizado de cana-de-açúcar com controle estatístico de processo

As operações de plantio de cana-de-açúcar são as que demandam maiores cuidados, pois os erros cometidos nesse momento causam prejuízos por todos os ciclos da lavoura. Portanto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade do plantio semimecanizado de cana-de-açúcar por meio da sulcação realizada por 2 tratores e 2 variedades de cana-de-açúcar, utilizando o Controle Estatístico de Processo (CEP). O estudo foi desenvolvido na área experimental em parceria do IF Goiano - Campus Ceres com a Usina CRV. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 4 tratamentos, compostos por 2 variedades de cana-de-açúcar e 2 tratores com implemento sulcador de duas linhas equipados com piloto automático, sendo 15 repetições por tratamento. As variáveis analisadas foram: profundidade e largura de sulco, paralelismo entre sulcos, altura de cobrição, número e comprimento dos rebolos, gemas totais, viáveis e inviáveis, número de perfilhos, falhas de brotação, altura de plantas e o diâmetro do colmo. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e à análise de variância pelo controle estatístico de processo. Para as variáveis relacionadas a sulcação, o trator frota 42 obteve melhores resultados. Quanto às variedades, a SP80-1816 se sobressaiu, juntamente com o trator frota 41 sulco esquerdo para as variáveis voltadas a distribuição, cobrição e índices agronômicos. A variabilidade das variáveis foi alta, sendo recomendado que a usina tenha melhor controle para que o plantio tenha melhor qualidade final.

Design and Evaluation of a Novel Transversal Double-bud Sugarcane Planter with Seed Pre-cutting

Transversal double-bud sugarcane planting with seed pre-cutting is an advanced method with great development prospect. This technique ensures a high bud ratio, strong tillering capability and reduced seed consumption. Moreover, it obtains a long ratoon period, a high yield and Pol property. The transversal sugarcane planter must satisfy the agronomic requirements of precise planting with deep furrowing, orderly and uniform transversal seeding and consistent fertilization. Here, a novel transversal double-bud sugarcane planter was designed with the following main components: furrow openers, seeding units, fertilizers, seed compensators and soil cover units. The effects of rotary tillage speed, sprocket speed, chain inclination, seed cane box inclination, forward speed and cam’s speed and repose angle were studied in the laboratory to determine the best structure and working parameters of the units. Furrowing, seeding and fertilization performances were evaluated in a field test. Experimental results showed that the furrow depth stability was above 89% at 540 r/min output speed of the tractor. The seeding depth of 20.8–21.8 cm was less than the furrowing depth of 30 cm. The qualified rate of seeding was 91%, and the seeding interval was within the range of 330–495 mm. The fertilization interval was stable at 113.5–117.1 mm when cam’s repose angle was 38°, and the forward speed was I–III low gear. This planter only required approximately 4.4 t/ha seed canes, which was 51–75% lower than that for the traditional method. Its performance parameters indicated acceptable results.

Analysis of microstructure and wear resistance of NM400 thick plate

The hardness distribution and microstructure morphology of NM400 low alloy wear resistant steel plate with thickness of 50mm and 60mm were tested and analyzed, and the sliding wear performance of typical measuring points was also analyzed. The results show that the depth of the NM400 (50mm) hardening layer is about 35mm, accounting for about 70% of the plate thickness. The depth of the NM400 (60mm) hardening layer is about 22mm, accounting for about 37% of the plate thickness. With the position of the measuring point gradually away from the surface of the steel plate, the martensite content in the microstructure of NM400 (50mm) and NM400 (60mm) gradually decreased, and the contents of pearlite, bainite and other microstructure gradually increased. The hardness of NM400 (50mm) gradually decreased from 410HV to 335HV, and the hardness of NM400 (60mm) gradually decreased from 410HV to 305HV. The micro-wear morphologies of NM400 (50mm) and NM400 (60mm) at each measuring point are mainly furrow and contact fatigue spalling, and the wear types are mainly abrasive wear and contact fatigue wear. The furrow depth and the number of furrows on the worn surface of the sample at the corresponding measuring point position gradually increased as the measuring point position moved away from the steel plate surface, and the spalling area and the depth of the spalling pit gradually increased. The wear type gradually changed from particle wear to contact fatigue wear.

Draught Requirements of Tillage Tines in Clay Soil under Indoor Soil Bin Conditions

Large tine (Tl) and sweep tine (Tw) were the different model tillage tines used for this research. The blades were used on clay soil in a soil bin of dimension 9.0 × 0.85 × 0.5m located in the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The clay soil used for the experiment was obtained from Agricultural Engineering Step B Farm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the draught requirements of the model tillage tools and to evaluate and model the parameters of the soil profile produced under different operating conditions. It involved testing and evaluation of tool shape, depth (12.5 -100mm) and rake angles (300, 450, and 900) and forward speed (0.17m/sec) on draught force. Soil profile patterns measured by a profilometer was analyzed using the following parameters – maximum Width of soil cut (Wfs), Ridge-to- Ridge Distance (RRD), furrow depth (df), height of ridge (Hr), maximum Width of Soil Throw (TDW) and tool width (w). Results showed that draught is directly proportional to the depth of the tine at a certain rake angle. The Tw had the least draught while Tl had the highest draught. Analysis of soil disturbance parameters revealed an increase in parameters with increasing cone index and depth of the tines. The study provides relevant data in the design of soil engaging tools and sustainable crop production. Keywords: Draught, Clay, Soil disturbance, Tillage, Tines.

Draught Requirements of Tillage Tines in Clay Soil under Indoor Soil Bin Conditions

Large tine (Tl) and sweep tine (Tw) were the different model tillage tines used for this research. The blades were used on clay soil in a soil bin of dimension 9.0 × 0.85 × 0.5m located in the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The clay soil used for the experiment was obtained from Agricultural Engineering Step B Farm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the draught requirements of the model tillage tools and to evaluate and model the parameters of the soil profile produced under different operating conditions. It involved testing and evaluation of tool shape, depth (12.5 -100mm) and rake angles (300, 450, and 900) and forward speed (0.17m/sec) on draught force. Soil profile patterns measured by a profilometer was analyzed using the following parameters – maximum Width of soil cut (Wfs), Ridge-to- Ridge Distance (RRD), furrow depth (df), height of ridge (Hr), maximum Width of Soil Throw (TDW) and tool width (w). Results showed that draught is directly proportional to the depth of the tine at a certain rake angle. The Tw had the least draught while Tl had the highest draught. Analysis of soil disturbance parameters revealed an increase in parameters with increasing cone index and depth of the tines. The study provides relevant data in the design of soil engaging tools and sustainable crop production. Keywords: Draught, Clay, Soil disturbance, Tillage, Tines.

Genetical control of 2D pattern and depth of the primordial furrow that prefigures 3D shape of the rhinoceros beetle horn

The head horn of the Asian rhinoceros beetle develops as an extensively folded primordium before unfurling into its final 3D shape at the pupal molt. The information of the final 3D structure of the beetle horn is prefigured in the folding pattern of the developing primordium. However, the developmental mechanism underlying epithelial folding of the primordium is unknown. In this study, we addressed this gap in our understanding of the developmental patterning of the 3D horn shape of beetles by focusing on the formation of furrows at the surface of the primordium that become the bifurcated 3D shape of the horn. By gene knockdown analysis via RNAi, we found that knockdown of the gene Notch disturbed overall horn primordial furrow depth without affecting the 2D furrow pattern. In contrast, knockdown of CyclinE altered 2D horn primordial furrow pattern without affecting furrow depth. Our results show how the depth and 2D pattern of primordial surface furrows are regulated at least partially independently during beetle horn development, and how both can alter the final 3D shape of the horn.

Spatial Distribution of a Tree Trunk Specialist Spider: Relative Role of Landscape Versus Microhabitat Drivers.

By completely censusing a 1 ha forest dynamics plot it was possible to identify the variables (spider mass, size, sex and tree species, size, and bark roughness) that influenced the spatial distribution of adult Drapetisca alteranda Chamberlin 1909 (Araneae: Linyphiidae), a sheet web spider that specializes in lower tree trunks in North American forests. To account for spatial autocorrelation, a conditional autoregressive random effect was included in the zero-inflated Poisson generalized linear mixed model. Parameters estimated were produced by Bayesian inference with vague prior probability distributions and the best of 16 models were selected using Watanabe-Akaike Information Criterion. The best model showed that larger diameter trees located at higher plot elevations were more likely to have D. alteranda present. Smooth bark tree species such as paper birch and American basswood tended to have the most spiders while rough bark species had the least. The relationship between tree diameter and D. alteranda abundance also varied by tree species. Paper birch and quaking aspen tend to produce a greater slope compared to the other species, indicating that as these trees get larger, the abundance of D. alteranda increases at a higher rate than on other tree species. Spider sex and size were not associated with height on the trunk or tree species selection, nor were they associated with microhabitats such as bark furrow depth. Landscape-level factors largely predict D. alteranda abundance and distribution, suggesting that spatial autocorrelation should be considered when modeling the abundance of even small organisms, such as spiders.

Multiscale habitat mediates pest reduction by birds in an intensive agricultural region

AbstractHabitat augmentation on farms is predicted to conserve biological diversity and support beneficial animals that reduce crop pests. Effectiveness of local habitat enhancement and subsequent pest reduction services can be mediated by the amount of habitat at larger scales. We tested whether the presence and increase of local and landscape scale bird habitat increased avian predator abundance and pest reduction by birds. We surveyed birds and performed a sentinel prey exclosure experiment in walnut orchards in the Sacramento Valley, California, USA—comparing predation probability between orchards with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) woody habitat in uncultivated orchard margins. We digitized seminatural habitat cover in landscapes around orchards to test the effectiveness of avian predators in reducing sentinel prey along a seminatural cover gradient of 0–38%. Experimental prey were diapausing larvae of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae; codling moth), a significant pest of walnuts, which overwinter in cocoons in orchards, emerge as adults, and produce larvae that feed on the nuts the following spring. Permitting bird access to cocoons increased larval predation from 11% (caged) to 46% (no cage), and predation increased with increasing proportions of seminatural habitat within 500‐m of orchard transects. Predation also increased as the size and bark furrow depth of walnut trees increased, likely because these characteristics were associated with increasing abundance of avian predators with functional traits specific to consuming tree‐dwelling cocoons (e.g., woodpeckers). The presence and increasing complexity of local margin habitat increased the species richness and abundance of avian predators but was not predictive of cocoon predation. Consistent with intermediate landscape‐complexity hypothesis predictions, the effect size of woodpecker abundance on predation was large in simple landscapes (1–20% seminatural cover) and low in complex landscapes (>20% cover). Contrary to predictions, effect size was large in cleared landscapes (<1% cover), suggesting that orchards supported predators in cleared landscapes, with positive effects on pest reduction. We provide evidence that increasing the abundance of avian predators with traits specific for consuming target pests—by retaining old trees and seminatural cover—can increase orchard pest reduction services in an intensive agricultural region.