Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Pillars Of Sustainable Development–Land Capability And Conceptual Project Design, Ian D. Hollingsworth

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Conserving land capability is a pillar of sustainable development strategy. Land units comprising unique combinations of native vegetation, soils, geology, and landforms are used to interpret local environmental processes and land capabilities. An emerging practice is extrapolation modeling of edaphic parameter surfaces in Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) using statistical correlation. Commercial studies of land capability for sustainable development, including a mine closure in a national park, another closure for grazing land restoral, urban stormwater flood mitigation, and wind farm development in plantation forestry, are presented to illustrate applications and review the utility of DSM data. The first case, a mine …

Mathematical Modelling And Numerical Simulation Of Mass Transfer During Deep-Fat Frying Of Plantain (Musa Paradisiacal Aab) Chips (Ipekere), James Abiodun Adeyanju, John Oluranti Olajide, Emmanuel Olusola Oke, Akinbode A. Adedeji

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

This study developed a mathematical model following the fundamental principles of mass transfer for the simulation of the oil and moisture content change during the Deep-Fat Frying of plantain (ipekere) chip. The explicit Finite Difference Technique (FDT) was used to conduct a numerical solution to the consequential governing equation (partial differential equation) that was used to describe the mass transfer rate during the process. Computer codes that were computed in MATLAB were used for the implementation of FDT at diverse frying conditions. Samples of the plantain were cut into portions of 2 mm thickness, and these sliced portions …

Literature Review: Global Neonicotinoid Insecticide Occurrence In Aquatic Environments, Josephus F. Borsuah, Tiffany L. Messer, Daniel D. Snow, Steve D. Comfort, Aaron R. Mittelstet

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Neonicotinoids have been the most commonly used insecticides since the early 1990s. Despite their efficacy in improving crop protection and management, these agrochemicals have gained recent attention for their negative impacts on non-target species such as honeybees and aquatic invertebrates. In recent years, neonicotinoids have been detected in rivers and streams across the world. Determining and predicting the exposure potential of neonicotinoids in surface water requires a thorough understanding of their fate and transport mechanisms. Therefore, our objective was to provide a comprehensive review of neonicotinoids with a focus on their fate and transport mechanisms to and within surface waters …

Quantification Of Nitric Oxide Via Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Jakob Meier

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nitric oxide (NO), a free radical present in biological systems, can have many beneficial and detrimental effects on the body. Due to NO’s short half-life, its detection and quantification is difficult. This inability to quantify NO has hindered researchers that are trying to understand NO’s impact in healthy and diseased conditions. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), can become selective to various analytes when wrapped in specific single-stranded DNA strands. The presence of the analyte of interest can change the wavelength and/or intensity of the SWNT’s fluorescence, allowing the SWNT to be used as a sensor. One type of SWNT sensor, 6,5 …

A Comparison Of Methods To Measure Crop Water Use In South Carolina, Andrew C. Ewing

All Theses

The objective of this thesis was to compare cost-effective methods of measuring crop water use, known as evapotranspiration (ET), in South Carolina’s humid climate. The methods analyzed were the surface renewal method (SR), the Eddy Covariance method (EC), large in-field weighing lysimeters, a newly developed pressure differential device (PDD), a Class A Evaporation pan, and the Penman-Monteith equation. In the first chapter, ET measurements obtained by SR were compared to ET measured by EC and weighing lysimeters. For reference, EC and SR track the energy budget to estimate ET, while the weighing lysimeters used in this study are box-like containers …

Ventilation And Recirculation Airway Design For An Autonomous, Climate Controlled, Hydroponic Demonstration Unit, Nicholas Cross

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

For this Honors Thesis project, I designed and fabricated a ventilation and recirculation airway sub-system prototype for a hydroponic demonstration unit to be used as an educational demonstration for prospective students, illustrating the capabilities of biological engineers. This thesis focuses on the design of an autonomous air system that toggles between ventilation and recirculation modes based upon sensor output. In the literature review I discuss how ventilation can be used to achieve a targeted climate, the benefits of hands-on projects for education, and the optimum parameters for growing herbs in a hydroponic system.

In the design and fabrication process, every …

Risk Of Injury Analysis In Depth Jump And Squat Jump, Curtis L. Tomasevicz, Jeffrey C. Woldstad, [email protected]

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Introduction: The depth jump (DJ) and squat jump (SJ) are accepted ways to assess and train power producing ability but are not without risk of injury. Methods: Sixteen male participants (age = 21.7 ± 1.54 yrs., height = 177.7 ± 11.4 cm, mass = 77.7 ± 13.6 kg) were evaluated for power exertion capabilities while being assessed for risk of injury in the knee and low back through a range of resistances based on a percentage of participants’ heights in the DJ (0% through 50%) and bodyweights for the SJ (0% through 100%). Two variables were used to assess the …

Comparative Analyses Of Variable And Fixed Rate Irrigation And Nitrogen Management For Maize In Different Soil Types: Part I. Impact On Soil-Water Dynamics And Crop Evapotranspiration, Vasudha Sharma, Suat Irmak

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Understanding the soil-water dynamics and maize evapotranspiration (ETc) under variable rate irrigation (VRI) and variable rate fertigation (VRF) management with respect to soil spatial variability constitutes the basis for developing effective variable rate water and nitrogen management strategies. This long-term research was designed to quantify and compare the soil-water dynamics, including available water (AW), and ETc during vegetative and reproductive growth periods of VRI, fixed rate irrigation (FRI) and no-irrigation (NI) under fixed rate fertigation (FRF), VRF and pre-plant (PP) nitrogen management in three different soil types [Crete silt loam (S1); Hastings silty clay loam (S2) and Hastings silt loam …

3d Cfd Analysis Of Natural Ventilation In Reduced Scale Model Of Compost Bedded Pack Barn For Dairy Cows, Flávio A. Damasceno, Joseph L. Taraba, George B. Day V, Felipe A. O. Vega, Keller S. O. Rocha, Randi A. Black, Jeffrey M. Bewley, Carlos E. A. Oliveira, Matteo Barbari

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Compost bedded pack (CBP) barns have been receiving increased attention as an alternative housing system for dairy cattle. To create a satisfactory environment within CBP barns that promotes a good composting process, an adequate air movement and minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the building are required. Therefore, a study based on compost barn structure model employing techniques of dimensional analysis for naturally ventilated buildings was developed. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of compost barns with different ridge designs and wind direction, along with the visual demonstration of the impact on airflow through structure were performed. The results showed that the …

Potential Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) For Paired Phytoremediation And Bioenergy Production, Hanah T. Rheay, Emmanuel C. Omondi, Catherine E. Brewer

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multi-use crop that has been investigated for its potential use in phytoremediation of heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic contaminants, and as a feedstock for bioenergy production. A review of research literature indicates that hemp is a suitable crop for phytoremediation, and a competitive option for bioenergy. Coupling phytoremediation and bioenergy production from a single hemp crop is a potential solution to overcoming the economic constraints of phytoremediation projects. The current challenge is ensuring that the extracted contaminants are not introduced into the consumer marketplace. After several decades of limited research on hemp in the …

Recent Advances In Reducing Food Losses In The Supply Chain Of Fresh Agricultural Produce, Daniel I. Onwude, Guangnan Chen, Nnanna Eke-Emezie, Abraham Kabutey, Al Fadhl Yahya Al Khaled, Barbara Sturm

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Fruits and vegetables are highly nutritious agricultural produce with tremendous human health benefits. They are also highly perishable and as such are easily susceptible to spoilage, leading to a reduction in quality attributes and induced food loss. Cold chain technologies have over the years been employed to reduce the quality loss of fruits and vegetables from farm to fork. However, a high amount of losses (≈50%) still occur during the packaging, transportation, and storage of these fresh agricultural produce. This study highlights the current state-of-the-art of various advanced tools employed to reducing the quality loss of fruits and vegetables during …

Epics Urban Farming: Bringing Sustainable Fresh Food To Gary, Indiana, Elijah Klein

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

EPICS Urban Farming is a team of seventeen undergraduate students designing and implementing an aquaponics and food distribution system in Gary, Indiana. With the area being a food desert, most people turn to corner stores for food that is easily accessible and cheap but unhealthy. From this diet, there are quite a few widespread health concerns that the population of Gary, Indiana, faces daily. For example, obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions are some of the most common diseases that plague the community. Urban Farming is working to aid in combating these issues with the partnership of Pastor Marty Henderson, who …

Development Of A Grass Measurement Optimisation Tool To Efficiently Measure Herbage Mass On Grazed Pastures, D. J. Murphy, B. O'Brien, Michael D. Murphy

Publications

Accurate and efficient estimation of herbage mass is essential for optimising grass utilisation and increasing profit for pasture farming. There is no definitive sampling protocol for grass measurement on Irish pastures. This paper presents the Grass Measurement Optimisation Tool (GMOT), designed to generate measurement protocols that optimise for time and accuracy. The GMOT was designed in the form of a decision support tool that generates interactive paddock maps that guide the farmer on how to optimally measure their pastures in a random stratified manner based on GPS co-ordinates, resulting in accurate non-biased estimations of mean herbage mass. Rising plate meter …

Engaging Farmers And The Agriculture Industry Through The Testing Agricultural Performance Solutions Program, Charles A. Burr, Daran Rudnick, Matt Stockton, Robert Tigner, Krystle Rhoades

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Testing Agricultural Performance Solutions (TAPS) program involves use of farm management competitions to increase engagement across producers, industry, and universities.Participants make several management decisions throughout the growing season in a controlled field trial held at the university research station. Results are analyzed, and awards are presented for most profitable farm, most efficient farm, and farm with the greatest grain yield. The TAPS program involves several techniques for facilitating participatory assistance, including two-way communication and transformational learning. It has resulted in participants' questioning their past management decisions and realizing that they need to improve their marketing skills …

Introduction To Special Issue Of Irrigation Science: Improving Irrigation Management Across The Ogallala Aquifer, Usa, Allan A. Andales, Daran Rudnick, José L. Chávez

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Groundwater stored in aquifers is a major source of irrigation water for many agricultural regions that receive insufficient precipitation for crop production. In the U.S.A., the High Plains aquifer (HPA) that underlies parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming supplies irrigation water for agricultural production. The HPA underlies around 450,658 km² (174,000 mi²) of which the Ogallala aquifer is the principal geologic formation underlying 347,059 km² (134,000 mi²) (Gutentag et al. 1984). The Ogallala aquifer is primarily a water table (unconfined) aquifer with saturated thickness ranging from 0 …

Classifying Reflectance Targets Under Ambient Light Conditions Using Passive Spectral Measurements, Ali Hamidisepehr, Michael P. Sama, Joseph S. Dvorak, Ole O. Wendroth, Michael D. Montross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Collecting remotely sensed spectral data under varying ambient light conditions is challenging. The objective of this study was to test the ability to classify grayscale targets observed by portable spectrometers under varying ambient light conditions. Two sets of spectrometers covering ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near−infrared (NIR) wavelengths were instrumented using an embedded computer. One set was uncalibrated and used to measure the raw intensity of light reflected from a target. The other set was calibrated and used to measure downwelling irradiance. Three ambient−light compensation methods that successively built upon each other were investigated. The default method used a variable …

Testing Of Two 10-Inch Insertion Propeller Flow Meters, Stuart Styles, Sierra Layous, Jack Evans

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10), the Cal Poly Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) conducted flow measurement accuracy testing on two 10-inch insertion (strap-on saddle) McCrometer Water Specialties propeller flow meters. Both meters were new and recently purchased by Westlands Water District. One of the meters is shown in Figure 1. Testing was performed at the ITRC Water Resources Facility (WRF) using the ITRC volumetric tank as the standard flow rate measurement for all tests. The ITRC volumetric tank was calibrated with the NIST¹-traceable ITRC gravimetric tank using …

Testing Of Two 10-Inch Insertion Magnetic Flow Meters, Stuart Styles, Sierra Layous, Jack Evans

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10), the Cal Poly Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) conducted flow measurement accuracy testing on two 10-inch insertion (saddle-mount) McCrometer Mc Mag3000 magnetic flow meters. The meters were two of 360 new meters that were purchased by Westlands Water District. One of the meters is shown in Figure 1. Testing was performed at the ITRC Water Resources Facility (WRF) using the ITRC gravimetric (weigh) tank as the standard flow rate measurement for all tests. The ITRC gravimetric tank has a NIST¹-traceable uncertainty of …

Magnetic Flow Meter Testing, Stuart Styles, Sierra Layous, Jack Evans

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10) and the California Department of Water Resources (Agreement No. 4600011908), the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) conducted testing on 4-inch and 10-inch spool-type magnetic flow meters ( also known as mag meters and electromagnetic flow meters) from six manufacturers (12 meters total). The testing was performed to assess the effects of various hydraulic conditions on meter accuracy.

Reach-Scale Model Of Aquatic Vegetation Quantifies N Fate In A Bedrock-Controlled Karst Agroecosystem Stream, Nolan Lewis Bunnell, William I. Ford, Alex W. Fogle, Joseph L. Taraba

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

In-stream fate of nutrients in karst agroecosystems remains poorly understood. The significance of these streams is recognized given spring/surface water confluences have been identified as hotspots for biogeochemical transformations. In slow-moving streams high in dissolved inorganic nutrients, benthic and floating aquatic macrophytes are recognized to proliferate and drastically impact nutrient fate; however, models that quantify coupled interactions between these pools are limited. We present a reach-scale modeling framework of nitrogen dynamics in bedrock-controlled streams that accounts for coupled interactions between hydrology, hydraulics, and biotic dynamics and is validated using a multi-year, biweekly dataset. A fluvial N budget with uncertainty was …

Photovoltaic Systems On Dairy Farms: Financial And Renewable Multi-Objective Optimization (Farmoo) Analysis, Michael Breen, J. Upton, Michael D. Murphy

Publications

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Period And Temperature On Quality And Shelf-Life Of Cucumber And Garden-Eggs Packaged Using Cassava Starch-Zinc Nanocomposite Film, Adeshina Fadeyibi, Zinash Delebo Osunde, Mohammed Gana Yisa

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Nanocomposite film can be used to prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This research was undertaken to investigate the effects of packaging period and temperature on the quality and self-lives of cucumber and garden-eggs packaged using cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film. Hundred grams each of cucumber and garden-eggs were wrapped in a 200× 350 mm size nanocomposite film and low density polyethylene (LDPE) of 2.240± 1.076 × 10^-10 gm^-1Pa^-1s^-1 water vapor and 1.568± 0.084× 10^-10 gm^-1Pa^-1s^-1 oxygen gas permeability. The products were stored at 10−27^oC temperatures …

Potential Energy Generation From Agricultural Residue In Indonesia, Adrian Rizqi Irhamna

International Programs

Indonesia has great potential of biomass sources from their agricultural residue, which can potentially be used for alternative energy generation. This preliminary research explores the most suitable technology for energy generation from agricultural residue and its challenge for application in Indonesia. The study showed that biomass utilization via the direct combustion process is recommended for energy generation. It is also reported that the pretreatment process of drying and washing, are required to increase the fuel quality and plant efficiency.

What Are The Advantages Of Replacing Fossil Fuels With Biofuels?, Amr Shaalan

International Programs

Fossil fuels’ negative impact on the environment is leading many people to worry In addition to that, fossil fuels are running out as every day goes by. Thus, finding a renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy has now become a necessity. Biofuels offer clean energy that comes with numerous economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, biofuels can absorb more carbon from the air than they would produce when burnt. Giving a chance to clear the air from fossil fuel’s carbon.

University Of Kentucky Measurements Of Wind, Temperature, Pressure And Humidity In Support Of Lapse-Rate Using Multisite Fixed-Wing And Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial Systems, Sean C. C. Bailey, Michael P. Sama, Caleb A. Canter, Luis Felipe Pampolini, Zachary S. Lippay, Travis J. Schuyler, Jonathan D. Hamilton, Sean B. Macphee, Isaac S. Rowe, Christopher D. Sanders, Virginia G. Smith, Christina N. Vezzi, Harrison M. Wight, Jesse B. Hoagg, Marcelo I. Guzman, Suzanne Weaver Smith

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In July 2018, unmanned aerial systems (UASs) were deployed to measure the properties of the lower atmosphere within the San Luis Valley, an elevated valley in Colorado, USA, as part of the Lower Atmospheric Profiling Studies at Elevation – a Remotely-piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE). Measurement objectives included detailing boundary layer transition, canyon cold-air drainage and convection initiation within the valley. Details of the contribution to LAPSE-RATE made by the University of Kentucky are provided here, which include measurements by seven different fixed-wing and rotorcraft UASs totaling over 178 flights with validated data. The data from these coordinated UAS flights …

Testing Of A 10 To 48-Inch Insertion Magnetic Flow Meter, Stuart Styles, Jack Evans, Sierra Layous, Chad Tenbrink

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10), the Cal Poly Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) conducted flow measurement testing on one (1×) 10 to 48-inch Seametrics EX21x insertion magnetic meter (“Seametrics”, “test meter”) in April 2020. Figure 1 shows the meter installed at the testing facility. The testing determined the accuracy of the test meter in a straight pipe configuration across a range of typical water velocities (0.5 to 5.8 feet per second). Testing was performed at the ITRC Water Resources Facility (WRF) using calibrated measurements from a 30-inch Krohne Enviromag …

Magnetic Flow Meter Testing And The Effect Of Upstream Chemical Injection On Meter Performance, Stuart Styles, Sierra Layous, Jack Evans

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10), the Cal Poly Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) performed testing on magnetic flow meters to examine issues related to upstream chemical injection. Two sets of tests were completed:

• Meter Accuracy Testing – This testing determined the flow measurement accuracy of ten (10×) meters. Previously, all the meters had been installed in irrigation pipelines immediately downstream of chemical injection and showed significant fluctuations in flow measurement readings.

• Upstream Chemical Injection Testing – This testing quantified the variability of flow rate measurements at various …

Testing Of Two 30-Inch Magnetic Flow Meters, Stuart Styles, Jack Evans, Sierra Layous, Chad Tenbrink

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

With funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation, California – Great Basin Region (Region 10), the Cal Poly Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) conducted flow measurement testing on two (2×) 30inch spool-type magnetic flow meters in March of 2020. Figure 1 shows the meters installed at the testing facility. The testing determined the accuracy for each test meter in a straight pipe configuration across a range of typical water velocities (0.4 to 3.8 feet per second). Testing was performed at the ITRC Water Resources Facility (WRF) using the ITRC volumetric tank as the standard flow rate measurement for all …

Differences In Soil Water Changes And Canopy Temperature Under Varying Water × Nitrogen Sufficiency For Maize, Tsz Him Lo, Daran Rudnick, Kendall C. Dejonge, Geng Bai, Hope Njuki Nakabuye, Abia Katimbo, Yufeng Ge, Trenton E. Franz, Xin Qiao, Derek M. Heeren

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Crop nitrogen (N) status is known to affect crop water status and crop water use. To investigate further the N effects on soil water changes and on canopy temperature, three water levels × four N levels were imposed on two growing seasons of maize in west central Nebraska, USA. Soil water changes were measured using a neutron probe, whereas canopy temperature was measured using infrared thermometers on a ground-based mobile platform. At all water levels, soil water losses over monthlong intervals were generally greater as N levels increased. Given equal water levels, early afternoon canopy temperatures were usually lower with …

Hydraulic Effects Of Perpendicular Water Approach Velocity On Meter Gate Flow Measurement, John M. Thorburn

Master's Theses

Accurate flow measurement is required to effectively manage water resources. California Senate Bill X7-7 (SB X7-7), legislates this need by requiring agricultural water providers serving areas greater than 25,000 acres to develop an Agricultural Water Management Plan (AWMP) and adopt pricing based at least partly on volumetric water deliveries (DWR, 2009). This study focused on two of the most common flow measurement/flow control devices used in California open channel water conveyance systems: the circular meter gate and the rectangular meter gate. Testing was conducted on three Armco-type (round gates over round discharge pipe) gates measuring 12”, 18”, and 24” and …