Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Scalable Machine Learning Framework For Adaptive Irrigation Management Of Maize And Soybean In The U.S. Midwest, Precious N. Amori, Derek M. Heeren, Yeyin Shi, Eric Wilkening, Ivo Z. Goncalves, Guillermo R. Balboa, Daran R. Rudnick, Abia Katimbo, Randall S. Ritzema

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Conventional soil water balance (SWB) irrigation scheduling tools, such as FAO-56-based Spreadsheets and the Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface (SETMI), rely heavily on manual inputs and periodic field measurements, leading to delayed recommendations and missed opportunities to prevent crop stress. More critically, these tools lack the computational scalability and adaptability to leverage the high-frequency, high-volume datasets now available through modern sensing technologies. As precision irrigation increasingly depends on integrating spatially and temporally nuanced field information, there is a pressing need for decision-support systems that can process Big Data efficiently and respond in real-time. To overcome these limitations, we developed and validated …

New Insights Into Fertilisation With Animal Manure For Annual Double-Cropping Systems In Nitrate-Vulnerable Zones Of Northeastern Spain, Dolores Quilez, Monica Guillen, Marta Valles, Arturo Dauden, Beatriz Moreno-Garcia

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Maize double-cropping production systems in Mediterranean areas have a great nitrogen extraction capacity and high nitrogen (N) requirements. This study aims to assess whether in these farming systems, animal manure can be applied, using adequate management practices, at levels exceeding the maximum annual amount of livestock manure established in the European Nitrate Directive for vulnerable zones (170 kg N ha-1) without increasing the risk of water nitrate contamination. We compare the risk of nitrate leaching under two fertilisation strategies, one with synthetic fertilisers and the second with a maximised application of pig slurry, exceeding the limits of the EU Nitrate …

Development Of Food Preservative Hydrogel Using Bioactive Compounds Extracted From Canola Meal, Kayla Christopherson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With an ever-growing population comes the need for a greater food supply. Yet land and other agricultural resources put a limit on the availability of food production. As farmers strive to optimize higher produce yields, society must turn to greener, more sustainable food preservation techniques to reduce food spoilage. The inclusion of extracted bioactive compounds found in canola meal into a food preservative hydrogel is such a solution for food spoilage reduction. In this thesis, extraction parameters of glucosinolates were examined along with their inhibition of E. coli DH5αZ1 when incorporated into 2 developed hydrogels: gelatin A Schiff-base and agar-agar. …

Impact Of Automated Controlled Tile Drainage On Field Discharge Water, Soil Moisture, And Crop Yield In Southeastern South Dakota, Joshua Becker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Automated controlled tile drainage is an innovative approach to water management, using dynamic weir settings programmed to drain water out of the tile system if it encroaches into the root zone at pre-programmed depths and duration. While past studies have indicated potential yield and water quality benefits of controlled drainage, there has been very little research into the performance of automated controlled drainage. In addition to overall performance, there is a gap in knowledge of management settings to optimize yield and water quality benefits. Two experiments, one plot-scale and one modeling, were conducted to assess the impact of automated controlled …

Development Of Bio-Based Coating Materials For Environmentally Friendly Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications, Anne Carolyne Mendonca Cidreira

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Enhancing The Mechanical Properties Of Sla 3d-Printed Bio-Resin From Linseed Oil Using Cellulose And Lignin Biopolymers, Chukwunonso A. Ikedionu

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Abstract

This research explores the development of bio resin from linseed oil by the process of epoxidation and acrylation to produce acrylated epoxidized linseed oil (AELO). Lignin and cellulose biopolymers were added as reinforcement at varying weight fractions of 1 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, and 5 wt.%, and their mechanical performance was compared against pure AELO. The formulations were printed using an Elegoo SLA 3D printer to create standardized test specimens like tensile bars, compression cylinders, and hardness blocks, which were all prepared according to the ASTM testing standard.

The results indicate that reinforcement effects depend on both filler type and …

Green Design Of Plant Based Pharmaceutical Drugs: Example Of A Wound Healing Topical Cream With Plectranthus Bojeri (Benth) Hedge Lamiaceae Extract, Helga Rim Farasoa, Marie Louise Razafindravao, Rojo Fanambinantsoa Andriamiarantsoa, Gerard Cecilien Raboanary, Jean Marie Razafindrakoto, Voahangy Ramanandraibe Vestalys

Journal of Bioresource Management

To ensure the perennity of natural resources, the valorisation process of herbal pharmaceuticals must be assessed for sustainability from the very beginning of its design. No specific tools have been developed for this particular field so far. We demonstrate in this study that existing green design tools can be adapted to evaluate plant-based products manufacturing process. As the example of a topical cream using Plectranthus bojeri (Benth) Hedge LAMIACEAE extract was considered, we first confirmed the traditional use of this plant for wound healing. It acts by accelerating the re-epithelialisation phase. Using the Vermeer Cosmolife version 0.24 software tool the …

Cropsync: Ai-Powered Sustainable Crop Management, Ziad Doughan, Ibrahim Mneimneh, Zouheir Nakouzi, Noor Al Khaib, Samer Damaj, Jamal Chaaban, Hamza Mrad, Sari Itani

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

CropSync is a smart agriculture system that uses AI and IoT technologies to enable sustain- able crop management and precision farming. The system aims to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, such as increasing food production to meet global population demands while minimizing environmental impact. CropSync integrates sensors, cameras, and cloud-based analytics to provide farmers with real-time insights and recommendations for optimizing crop cul- tivation. The system upholds engineering professional and ethical standards, considering broader social, environmental, and economic implications. From a social perspective, CropSync improves food security and enhances farmers’ livelihoods through increased productivity and efficient re- …

On Resource Testing Of Straight-Bevel Gears In Drive Mechanisms Of Cotton Machines, Shoraxmat Asqarovich Shaabidov, Umid Mamazokir Ugli Mamasobirov, Azizbek G‘Ulom O‘G‘Li Xusanbayev

Technical science and innovation

This article is dedicated to endurance testing of straight-tooth bevel gear reducers used in various machines, including cotton farming machinery. The choice of the test object is due to the fact that many machines require bevel gear transmissions for spatial arrangement of components. These gears enable the transmission of rotational motion between intersecting shaft axes within compact external dimensions. Additionally, bevel gear transmissions are the most common type of gear mechanisms after cylindrical ones.

For several objective reasons, straight-tooth bevel gears have gained wide use. Unlike cylindrical gears, they are more sensitive to manufacturing and assembly errors as well as …

Kinetics Model Of Cananga (Cananga Odorata) Fresh Flower Extraction Using Microwave Hydrodistillation Method, Darnengsih Darnengsih, Hikmatun Ni’Mah, Mahfud Mahfud, Ayu Chandra Kartika Fitri

Makara Journal of Science

Recent studies have focused on improving essential oil extraction methods by incorporating advanced technologies, such as microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MHD). Despite these advancements, further research is necessary to fully understand how different kinetic models influence extraction efficiency. This study evaluates several kinetic models for extracting essential oil from fresh Cananga flowers using MHD, examining how varying microwave power affects extraction rates and correlates with kinetic model parameters. The extraction process involved introducing 200 grams of fresh Cananga flowers in 400 mL of distilled water and subjecting the mixture to microwave power levels of 200 W, 400 W, and 600 W. The …

Converting Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Valuable End Products For Decentralized Energy Solutions: A Comprehensive Overview, Ahmed Aboulmagd Dr., Ahmad Mustafa, Shah Faisal, Jaswinder Singh, Boutaina Rezki, Karan Kumar, Vijayanand Moholkar, Ozben Kutlu, Hamdy Thabet, Zeinhom El-Bahy, Oguzhan Der, Cassamo Mussagy, Luigi Di Bitonto, Mushtaq Ahmad, Carlo Pastore

Renewable Mechanical Energy

This review manuscript delves into lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) as a sustainable energy source, addressing the global demand for renewable alternatives amidst increasing oil and gas consumption and solid waste production. LCB, consisting of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, is versatile for biochemical and thermochemical conversions like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. Recent advancements have led to a 25 % increase in bioethanol yields through alkali pre-treatment and optimized fermentation, a 20 % enhancement in microbial delignification efficiency, and a 35 % improvement in enzyme efficiency via nanobiotechnology. These innovations enhance biofuel production sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Decentralized energy systems utilizing locally …

Lignin Cationization For The Removal Of Phosphates And Nitrates From Effluents Of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Fannyuy V. Kewir

LSU Master's Theses

The removal of phosphates and nitrates from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents is important for preventing pollution of receiving waters. In this study, we chemically modified alkaline lignin (aLN) with quaternary ammonium groups to obtain biodegradable cationic lignin (cLN). We characterized the cLN and tested its efficacy for removing phosphates and nitrates in a lab setting and on field-collected WWTP samples. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were performed in aqueous media, and the effects of several variables (contact time, pH, initial concentration, and adsorbent dose) were investigated. The Langmuir isotherm described phosphate and nitrate adsorption well, with R2 values of …

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …

Yield Comparison Of Three Melon (Cucumis Melo L.) Varieties Cultivated With Dutch Bucket And Drip Irrigation Systems, Widiya Puji Kumalasari, Suwarto, Etik Wukir Tini, Endang Warih Minarni

Jurnal Kultivasi

Melon is one of the horticultural commodities with considerable economic potential. Cultivation through hydroponic systems can provide efficiency and increase production if complemented by superior varieties. This study aims to identify the best hydroponic system and melon variety combination with the highest yield. The research was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024 at the screen house in Pasir Kulon Village, Karanglewas District, Banyumas Regency, at 110 m above sea level. The study used a split-plot factorial design with a basic design of a Completely Randomized Block Design. The first factor was the hydroponic system, consisting of S1 = Dutch …

Agronomic Biofortification Of Calcium In Pak Choy (Brassica Rapa Subsp. Chinensis) Via Hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique, Regina Septiani Zahro, Khavid Faozi, Zulfa Ulinnuha, Agus Sarjito

Jurnal Kultivasi

Pak choy is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin K, all essential for health. Pak choy requires a proper balance of nutrients for optimal growth. In a hydroponic system, any imbalance in nutrient levels can negatively impact plant growth and reduce the nutritional value stored in the tissues. Selecting suitable varieties and providing appropriate calcium treatment can help increase calcium content and enhance productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of calcium concentration on growth, yield, and Ca content and the most responsive varieties to increased calcium concentration. The research design used was a Split Plot Design …

Impact Of Irrigation Systems On Water Use And Water Productivity: A Case Study Using Aquacrop In Khartoum, Sudan, Abdalhakam Almagzoop

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

Water scarcity significantly challenges agricultural productivity in arid regions like Khartoum, Sudan. This study evaluates the impact of three irrigation systems—furrow, sprinkler, and surface drip—on the water use and productivity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under different climatic conditions using the AquaCrop model. Simulations were conducted for three representative years: a wet year (2022), a normal year (2015), and a dry year (2018). The results demonstrate that irrigation substantially improved water use efficiency and crop yield compared to non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions. Rainfed crops resulted in lower biomass, harvest index, and yield, particularly in the dry year, highlighting the importance …

Enhancing Water Sustainability In North Africa: Literature Review And Synthesis Of Current Knowledge Gaps In Sudan, Osman M. A. Adam

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

This study delves into the critical role of groundwater in addressing global water challenges, with a focus on the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) in north Africa. Groundwater constitutes a source of potable water, irrigation, and industrial use, especially in arid regions where surface water is limited. We analyzed the status of water quantity, withdrawals, recharge, and geological characteristics in the NSAS, specifically in Sudan, Egypt, and Libya. Though the NSAS is largely an untapped resource, water withdrawals from the NSAS in Egypt, Sudan, and Libya are projected to increase substantially from 2000 to 2100 due to population growth, with …

Integrating Sustainability And Food Safety Through Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment And Life Cycle Assessment Of Low-Moisture Foods, Jessica Bain

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food safety and sustainability are critical concerns in the food industry. However, these areas are often evaluated separately, leading to an incomplete understanding of the overall impact of food production on human health. This dissertation aims to integrate food safety with sustainability to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impact of low-moisture foods on human health, using the almond processing supply chain as a case study.

In addition to conducting life cycle assessments (LCA) of almond processing, wheat flour production, and dried apple processing, this dissertation aims to create a framework to bridge the gap between sustainability and food safety. …

White Hall Green Roof Proposal, Hope Dwyer

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This project will propose designs for a GR system while determining the potential cost, the feasibility of the system implementation, as well as potential psychological and educational benefits of a GR system. These factors will be examined and evaluated with regard to two different proposed GR designs: extensive and intensive.

Cutting Mechanisms And Control Systems Required For Precision Cutting With An Autonomous Lettuce Harvester, Aidan V. Fischer

Master's Theses

43% of California’s vast land is consumed for agricultural production to feed the United States and other nations Lettuce production alone brought in over $3 billion in 2022 in California. Most of the lettuce today is still harvested by hand using large groups of seasonal laborers; however, this has become increasingly difficult with an immigrant labor shortage. The objective of this study was to design a low-cost autonomous lettuce harvester prototype and evaluate the performance of the harvester capable of harvesting romaine lettuce preciously on a raised bed.

The harvester is equipped with an electrohydraulic control system that is used …