Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Leaf-Based Varietal Categorization Of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam.), A Potentially Healthful Vegetable, Using Image Processing And K-Means Clustering, Shahidul Islam, Md Towfiqur Rahman, Md Hamidul Rahman, Abdul Momin

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

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) leaves contain higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids that are remarkable in health promotion. However, the nutrient content in sweetpotato leaves varies from variety to variety, and leaf shape and color are the key identifying factors for the varietal classification of sweetpotatoes. So, detecting sweetpotato leaves is essential for the in-situ identification of sweetpotato varieties and for developing intelligent agricultural systems. This study aimed to create a leaf-shape-based varietal classification technique for sweetpotato using image processing techniques coupled with a K-means clustering algorithm. 38 leaf images (RGB) of two sweetpotato cultivars were collected …

In-Season Nitrogen Mmanagement: Leveraging Data Visualization For Precision Agriculture, Chathurika Harshani Narayana

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

Effective nitrogen management is vital for sustainable agriculture, impacting both crop yield and environmental health. Traditional methods often use fixed application rates set before planting, which do not adapt to changing crop needs during the season. This can lead to over- or under-application, reducing efficiency and sustainability. While modern tools like sensors, satellites, and UAVs provide valuable real-time data on crop and field conditions, integrating and using this data to guide timely nitrogen decisions remains a major challenge. In-season nitrogen management offers a solution by allowing for dynamic adjustments to nitrogen applications, addressing crop needs as they arise. This approach …

Firelog: An Open-Source, Low-Cost System For Temperature Logging During Wildland Fires With High Spatial And Temporal Resolution, Nipuna Chamara, Yufeng Ge, Sabrina E. Russo

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Measuring flame, air, and soil temperatures during wildland fires, including wildfires and controlled burns in land management contexts, is crucial for research and applications in fire ecology, safety, and management in a wide array of ecosystems, from grasslands to forests. However, open-source and commercial systems are needed for measuring and logging flame and air temperatures that are user-friendly, economical, modular, and customizable. This paper details the design, development, and validation of the FireLog system. Laboratory validation experiments demonstrated high measurement accuracy, with a minimum coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98 and the highest observed root mean square error (RMSE) of …

Cover Crops Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions From No-Till Maize In Southern Brazil: Insights From A Long-Term Field Experiment, Guilherme Rosa Da Silva, Adam J. Liska, Cimélio Bayer

Adam Liska Papers

Brazil is one of the countries that has the most agricultural area under no-till (NT) management. This research study aims to evaluate life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maize (M) grain production in agroecosystems that used different cover crops under NT management in southern Brazil. The data for this study were from a long-term 41-year field experiment in southern Brazil. The long-term experiment evaluated the effects of fallow (F) and cover crops (oat (O), vetch (V), cowpea (B), pigeon pea (P), and lablab (L)) on nitrous oxide and methane emissions and soil carbon (C) sequestration in maize agroecosystems. Five cropping …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Lorawan-Enabled Iot Solution For Smart Farming, Talha Khan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rising global demand for food, driven by population growth, alongside a declining rural workforce, presents a great challenge for agriculture. Precision agriculture, which relies on the widespread adoption of smart farming technologies, is anticipated to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Emerging technologies, such as machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), offer innovative and promising solutions to address these challenges. This study focuses on LoRaWAN, a prevalent Low-Power Wide-Area-Network (LPWAN) IoT technology, examining its application in crop and livestock farming as well as its associated cybersecurity challenges. LoRaWAN IoT systems were constructed for three application …

Salinity Effects On Cu(Ii) Bioremediation By Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Microalgae, Jennifer Hughes

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Microalgae offer a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment by removing pollutants such as excess nutrients, CO₂, and heavy metals. Among various species, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii shows strong potential in removing Cu(II) ions from wastewater. In addition, salinity stress in C. reinhardtii has been linked to morphological and metabolic changes that enhance lipid and phytochemical production. While salinity stress has been studied for enhancing biofuel production, its impact on microalgal removal of heavy metals, particularly Cu(II), remains largely unexplored. Understanding how varying salinity conditions affect both algal growth and the efficiency of Cu(II) remediation could provide critical insights for improving integrated wastewater …

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.

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 …

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 …

Sustainable Poultry Farming Practices: A Critical Review Of Current Strategies And Future Prospects, Ramesh Bahadur Bist, Keshav Bist, Sandesh Poudel, Deepak Subedi, Xiao Yang, Bidur Paneru, Sudhagar Mani, Dongyi Wang, Lilong Chai

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

As global demand for poultry products, environmental sustainability, and health consciousness rises with time, the poultry industry faces both substantial challenges and new opportunities. Therefore, this review paper provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable poultry farming, focusing on integrating genetic improvements, alternative feed, precision technologies, waste management, and biotechnological innovations. Together, these strategies aim to minimize ecological footprints, uphold ethical standards, improve economic feasibility, and enhance industry resilience. In addition, this review paper explores various sustainable strategies, including eco-conscious organic farming practices and innovative feed sources like insect-based proteins, single-cell proteins, algal supplements, and food waste utilization. …

Compact Solar-Powered Plasma Water Generator: Enhanced Germination Of Aged Seed With The Corona Dielectric Barrier Discharger, Yiting Xiao, Yang Tian, Haizheng Xiong, Ainong Shi, Jun Zhu

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Seed aging adversely affects agricultural productivity by reducing germination rates and seedling vigor, leading to significant costs for seed banks and companies due to the need for frequent seed renewals. This study demonstrated the use of plasma-activated water (PAW), generated by a solar-powered corona dielectric barrier discharger, to enhance germination rates of spinach seeds that had been stored at 4 °C for 23 years. Treating seeds with PAW at 17 kV for 15 min improved germination (by 135%) and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Through detailed analysis, beneficial PAW properties for seed development were identified, and a molecular mechanism …

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 …

Growing Industry-University Partnerships: Virtual Workshop On Industry Sponsored Research, Mark Stone, Santosh K. Pitla

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) hosted a virtual workshop on developing capacity for industry-sponsored research (ISR). This dynamic event brought together faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and students to explore innovative strategies for advancing ISR.

The workshop addressed four key themes: (1) fostering sustainable industry-academic partnerships; (2) tackling intellectual property (IP) challenges; (3) building institutional and individual capacity for ISR, and (4) empowering students as critical contributors to industry research. Through expert-led presentations, an engaging panel discussion, and interactive brainstorming sessions, participants identified actionable steps and articulated a vision for the future of …

Neural Network Architecture Search Enabled Wide-Deep Learning (Nas-Wd) Integrated Hyperspectral Imaging Understanding For Woody Breast In Poultry Processing, Chaitanya Kumar Reddy Pallerla

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The development and implementation of a Wide & Deep (WD) learning model tailored for classification and regression tasks utilizing spectral data provides a robust solution to evaluate woody breast (WB) conditions in poultry fillets. This process begins with thorough data preprocessing, which includes loading spectral and classification datasets, imputing missing values with medians, and splitting the data into training and testing sets to ensure rigorous model evaluation. The WD model architecture integrates wide linear models and deep neural networks to harness the strengths of both approaches. The wide component excels at memorizing sparse feature interactions, while the deep component captures …

Isolation And Upgrading Of Lignin From Agricultural Sources Using Phase Equilibria, Bronson Lynn

All Dissertations

In the emerging bioeconomy, agricultural residues from our nationwide crop harvests are positioned to be a cornerstone of renewable and sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials. However, to be economically viable, the basic constituents of this plant matter must be separated and funneled to the appropriate application to maximize value and overall usability.

This work focuses on the component that has, to this point, been largely left behind: lignin. Although it is the most abundant aromatic biopolymer on the planet, making up 15-40% of grasses, hardwoods, and softwoods, the processing involved to isolate usable lignins is too complex and expensive to …

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. …