The authors noted the transboundary nature of anthropogenic impact on the environment, including that on water bodies, which needs to be studied in an international format. (Research purpose) To determine the water state of the Urpolanjoki River in the Mikkeli area in Finland and the Luga River in Russia in order to prepare proposals for improvement. (Materials and methods) Water quality was specified by 11 parameters by sampling and analyzing them in the laboratory. Additionally, 1South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences carried out online monitoring using the YSI 6920-V2 continuous water probe. The authors used standard methods of processing statistical, field data. (Results and discussion) The authors revealed good, stable during the entire monitoring period, water quality in the Urpolanjoki River. The authors showed that the water quality in the Luga River deteriorates downstream, in particular, due to the agricultural and livestock farms’ activities near the river basin. Thus, the Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus content at the upstream point is 10.8 milligrams and 119 micrograms per liter, respectively, and at the downstream point, it is only 1.6 milligrams and 28 micrograms, respectively. (Conclusions) It was determined that the analyzed indicators correspond to the category of good quality: the level of water oxygen saturation fluctuated within 88.76-117.83 per cent during the monitoring period; the color was 30 milligrams per liter on the platinum-cobalt scale, which means a low humus content in the water; the presence of solids in the water ranged from 1.1 to 2.4 milligrams per liter; the total phosphorus content in water is below 9.2 micrograms per liter, that is, within the normal limits. During the monitoring of the Luga River, a clear influence of nearby agricultural enterprises and settlements was detected.

   

The authors showed that the imperfection of precision farming methods, methods of transferring energy from the tractor engine to the working bodies required the development of new methods for reliable and accurate identification of the soil and its properties, as well as the state of machine-tractor units. (Research purpose) To determine the actual energy and economic indicators of a working machine and unit reliably and promptly in the operating conditions of agricultural production by parameters closely related to the energy indicators of an internal combustion engine, the measurement of which did not require large costs. (Materials and methods) 24 indirect parameters reflecting the power and degree of engine load were used for the operational assessment. In this case, the angular accelerations of the internal combustion engine and the turbocharger rotor crankshaft, including those caused by the operation of individual cylinders, the working processes of the generator (their average and extreme values), as well as the amplitude-frequency spectra of these processes, and speed characteristics were taken into account. To improve the accuracy and reliability of the assessment of energy indicators, the authors selected the processes in the frequency and phase domains. (Results and discussion) The considered methods were tested in production conditions during the main processing of the alkaline-chernozem complexes of the Chulym district of the Novosibirsk region. The authors found that the use of a flexible machine-tractor unit based on an energy-rich tractor improved the quality of soil cultivation: the share of soil lumps less than 5 centimeters in size was 73-80 percent; the productivity of the tillage machine increased by 15-20 percent. (Conclusions) The authors proved that with the help of indirectly determined indicators of power and degree of load, it was possible to estimate the actual values of the energy and technical and economic indicators of the working machine and the unit, the quality of the assembly of the unit, the heterogeneity of the soil was much easier and cheaper than using the known force-measuring methods. It was found that the use of digital systems for automatic control of the unit using the indicated indicators made it possible to provide quite simply the setting of the optimal zone of energy modes.

Abstract. The authors noted that in order to increase the energy-saturated equipment technical readiness, reduce its operation costs and ensure full use of the resource, it is necessary to quickly assess the current technical condition. The authors have created a counter-indicator prototype for high-precision control of gearbox technical condition. (Research purpose) To formulate a proposal for developing a system for the remote monitoring of gearbox technical condition applicable to the Kirovets tractor family. (Materials and methods) To increase the precision level of traceability and technical condition detection, a system of diagnostic tools was proposed based on the developed counters-indicators, which take into account design features when determining diagnostic parameters. (Results and discussion) It was shown that to assess the gearbox technical condition, it is necessary to use additional monitoring systems, obtain information for calculating the residual life, when using direct measurements and having a possibility of the ongoing monitoring over the actual change in the gearbox units diagnostic parameters. The authors studied the options for using meter-indicators to minimize group II and III failures during operation.(Conclusions) It was identified that in order to increase the level of gearbox operational reliability, it is necessary to introduce a system of counters-indicators. The authors revealed the possibility of monitoring the individual unit technical condition in accordance with the specified indicators, as well as in order to prevent operation in emergency (abnormal) modes.

he properly selected lighting for livestock farms is noted to ensure the optimal productivity of bred animals and poultry and to generate profit for the enterprise. (Research purpose) The research purpose is to substantiate the parameters of energy-saving lighting for agricultural premises and to develop methods for its calculation. (Materials and methods)  It has been shown that greenhouse farms most often use high and low pressure sodium lamps for lighting, but their spectrum only partially substitutes the natural one. It has been assumed that expanding the spectrum and approximating it to the solar one could improve product quality and yield. It has been stated that incandescent and fluorescent lamps are traditionally used to illuminate livestock and poultry premises, but they cannot create a lighting system with a «dawn - sunset» function, and their spectrum does not correspond to the full range perceived by animals and birds. It has been noted that the LED light sources’ functioning has such features that make the application of standard calculation methods impossible. We obtained formulas for calculating the light level and flux of photons. (Results and discussion) We provided examples of applying the energy-saving lighting systems developed by us in poultry houses with floor housing system, in cowsheds with tethered housing system and in an experimental phyto-laboratory for growing seedlings. It has been found that after replacing the lighting system based on DRL-125 lamps with a new one, with 36 nine-watt LED lamps, the power consumption decreased from 2,250 to 336 watts, the average light level increased and amounted to 90 lux, while the  illumination uniformity and color rendition improved. We have developed a resonant power supply system for LEDs to create lighting systems with a «sunrise - sunset» function. (Conclusions)  We have shown the possibility and provided examples of using the developed by us energy-saving controlled lighting systems based on LED light sources. 

Abstract. The technological aspects of fiber flax cultivation under various conditions were considered. The use of mole ploughing was proposed to solve a serious problem of excessive humidity and violation of the arable layer aeration. This operation can be performed simultaneously with plowing when using a device for general-purpose plows. The authors substantiated the expediency of using combined working bodies and units for high-quality performance. (Research purpose) To analyse the work of combined working bodies and units that perform several operations in one pass. (Materials and methods) The processes and technology for flax cultivation were studied. The following documents were used: GOST standard 20915-2011 and GOST standard 33687-2015. (Results and discussion) Testing a needle working body on a soil bin revealed differences in the needle print sizes depending on the change in the disk speed. It was noted that the width of the prints hardly changed, in contrast to their length. It was found that the distance between adjacent needle prints in the soil decreased significantly when the speed increased from 0.4 to 2.8 meters per second. The authors concluded that a stronger impact on the soil is possible when the speed of 2.8-3.0 meters per second is reached. The field tests of the needle harrow revealed the performance indicator dependence on the speed characteristics. It was found that agrotechnical indicators improve markedly with an increase in the speed of the unit. At the unit speed of 3.0-3.5 meters per second, the following permissible indicators were obtained: ridging – less than 15 millimeters, soil crumbling – about 95 percent. (Conclusions) It was found out that for fiber flax cultivation, non-power needle harrows are effective, they facilitates the performance at higher speeds.

Abstract. In the article, the authors propose a methodological approach to calculating the planetary cob-separating device used in corn harvesters and specialized headers. The dynamic characteristics of the planetary cob-separating device operation were investigated. The authors found out that the machine dynamics research problems are rather diverse due to the complexity of the dynamic processes occurring in them. The theoretical research methods prove to be of particular importance, since they make it possible to define the laws of machine unit motion, even at the stage of designing the planetary cob-separating device. (Research purpose) To propose a method for calculating the main kinematic and dynamic parameters of the vertical cob-separating device operation. (Materials and methods) The authors studied the methodological approaches and mathematical tools used to determine the main kinematic and dynamic parameters of the vertical cob-separating device operation; examined the scheme of a single-drum planetary cob-separating device in a corn harvester and built a differential equation of motion. (Results and discussion) After a step-by-step mathematical calculation with the use of the proposed methodological approach to studying the dynamic characteristics arising during the planetary cob-separating device operation, the following equations were obtained: starting the device at idle; starting the device with a load; feeding stems after starting the device; sudden interruption of the supply. When conducting the laboratory studies, it was determined that the cob-separating device showed the greatest effect at an angular speed of the drum within the range of 52.1-62.2 radians per second. (Conclusions) The authors considered four modes of the cob-separating device operation in a corn harvester and obtained the equations for them. The authors created a diagram of the vertical cob-separating device and proposed a methodological approach and an algorithm for calculating the main dynamic and kinematic indicators of its operation.

Abstract. The authors showed the relevance of creating agricultural machines using an electric drive. (Research purpose) The research objective is to develop an experimental prototype vehicle using an electrical schematic diagram of charge and electric drive control. (Materials and methods) The VAZ 111 Oka car was chosen as an experimental vehicle model with an electric drive, since it has a light weight of 645 kilograms, a simple design and a low cost. Mechanical characteristics of the electric motor were calculated and a frequency converter was chosen to control the electric drive.  Laboratory bench tests were conducted. (Results and discussion)The authors   installed storage batteries to power the electric drive, developed an electrical circuit schematics getting charged from a 220 volt alternating voltage network, and received graphs for the discharge of a 40-storage-battery power supply. (Conclusions) An electrical schematic diagram of charge and electric drive control was developed and implemented on an experimental vehicle model. It was determined that at the electric motor continuous operation with the load current of 1 ampere, the batteries get discharged within 104 minutes;  with the current  load of 2 amperes, they get  discharged within 83 minutes; with 3 amperes – within 65 minutes, and with 5 amperes – within 50 minutes, which is enough to drive around the farm. The authors graphically depicted the dependence of the available capacity level on the voltage, as well as the batteries’ discharge on the time at various load currents. The authors carried out two experimental studies on storage batteries’ charging from alternating voltage with the current of 2 and 3 amperes: in the first case, the charging time was 350 minutes, in the second – 310 minutes. It was found out that when using the developed scheme, the batteries are charged evenly.

The authors considered the use of unmanned aerial vehicles as one of the promising innovative directions for the development of economic and social sectors. The authors touched upon the prospects for their use in agriculture, especially for pesticide and agrochemical application, where accuracy, quality and timeliness are important. The relevance of multicopter performance assessment was noted. (Research purpose) The authors aim to develop and test a methodology for the evaluation of multicopters’ performance indicators for pesticide and agrochemical application in the agricultural industry. (Materials and methods) The authors used scientific and technical information and experimental materials, applied methods of system, statistical and functional-cost analysis, mathematical modeling, object and process parameter optimization, as well as previously developed methodological approaches to studying the aerial distribution of substances. (Results and discussion) The authors presented a general description and content of the developed methodology and means for assessing multicopter performance when applying working solutions that provide for an estimation error of up to 7 percent.The typical options for field plots and their treatment were specified. The authors analyzed the results of testing the methodology and software for a typical hexacopter with the payload of up to 10 kilograms. The authors analyzed the impact of working speed of up to 10 meters per second, application rates of 2-30 liters per hectare, the size and characteristics of the field plot up to 200 hectares, traffic patterns and other factors on productivity and multicopter treatment cost.  (Conclusions) The authors confirmed the efficiency of implementing complex multi-factor assessment of multicopter performance indicators for working fluids application in agricultural production. The authors determined the appropriate area of  applying multicopters with a payload of up to 10 kilograms in the field plots up to 50-60 hectares with a rut length of up to 800-900 meters with different treatment performance: flight – up to 10.5 hectares per flight hour, working – up to 7.5 hectares per hour, daytime – up to 55 hectares. Proposals and recommendations for the provision, organization and implementation of this work were formulated. 

It was noted that when forming the configurations of an unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer application, it is necessary to take into account the interdependence of unmanned and ground-based aerial systems. (Research purpose) To develop the configurations of an unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer application. (Materials and methods) The authors used Methodological recommendations on the use of chemicals in the precision farming system (VIM), regulatory and technical documentation for unmanned aerial systems. (Results and discussion) The authors developed a flowchart of the algorithm for forming the configurations of a helicopter type unmanned aerial system for fertilizer and pesticide application, including the formation of both unmanned and ground-based aerial systems. The authors calculated the aerodynamic characteristics of an unmanned coaxial rotor aircraft with a take-off weight of 280 kilograms and a payload of 100 kilograms. A modular-designed sprayer was offered. The authors substantiated the structure of the ground-based aerial complex in the form of a mobile transporter-tanker with a basic transport platform, lifting and transporting and refueling modules, and a universal ground control panel for the pilot-operator. (Conclusions) The authors formed reasonable configurations of a helicopter type unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer differentiated application in the precision farming system. Aircraft performance limitations were identified for the application of fertilizers and pesticides by a helicopter type unmanned aerial vehicle: the payload of at least 100 kilograms, the operating altitude of 1.0-1.5 meters when bypassing the agricultural field topography and avoiding possible obstacles, the operating airspeed kept below 60 kilometers per hour, automatic take-off and landing on a limited area, autoflight at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour at a one meter altitude in a tacking mode. It was showed that the static ceiling margin, without taking the earth influence into account, with a 280-kilogram flight mass, is 1300 meters, which allows flying in mountainous areas, for example, for the treatment of vineyards with pesticides.

The authors studied the scientific and technical literature regarding the microclimate influence on dairy cattle productivity. It was found out that the building microclimate parameter deviation from certain limit values reduces milk yield by 10-20 percent decrease the live weight gain by 20-30 percent increases the mortality of young animals by 5-40 percent and reduces the number of lactations by 15-20 percent for the herd. (Research purpose) To conduct a survey of modern microclimate systems and their technical implementation for livestock buildings, suggesting the best option while reducing energy costs. (Materials and methods) A classification scheme was provided for microclimate systems. The factors affecting the microclimate of livestock premises were presented in one figure. The main functions of ventilation systems in animal husbandry were identified. The conditions for the use of natural and forced (tunnel) ventilation systems were described. The devices for changing the microclimate on the premises were presented. The possibility of using an overlapped ridge in the area of the roof ridge was considered to catch the airflow and minimize moisture penetration. (Results and discussion) To decrease energy consumption, it was proposed to shift from a supply ventilation system to a natural and hybrid ventilation system, which contains an air removal system, lighting equipment, heating elements, sensors, fans with spray nozzles, sashes. (Conclusions) It was found out that in summer, natural ventilation is unable to prevent heat stress from cows. It was determined that in case of heat stress within 60 days, losses could amount to 4.2 million rubles. To ensure optimal microclimate conditions and reduce costs from heat stress, it was proposed to use an innovative natural and hybrid ventilation system. The calculations showed that a 60-day energy consumption of  the proposed system equals 264 thousand rubles.