It is noted that the urgent need for improving the country's food supply, expanding the range of field crop cultivation led to the shift from the development of single machines to creating machine systems, that is, complexes of well-balanced, coordinated integrated technologies and technical means. (Research purpose) To determine the principles of forming a machine and technology system, that reflect the state and development of mechanized and automated processes of agricultural production in certain periods of the country economy development. (Materials and methods) It is found out that for achieving this goal, it was necessary to fundamentally change the approach to creating new machines and equipment, to shift from the segmental development of single, unrelated machines to creating technical complexes, well-balanced and coordinated technically and technologically, and able to perform full cycles of work on cultivating a wide range of crops, in other words, to start creating Machine Systems. (Results and discussion) It is identified that during the implementation of the Machine Systems, there were created effective complexes of agricultural machinery in our country: high-speed arable and tilled tractors of various classes, self-propelled grain and forage harvesters, and other important types of agricultural machines. (Conclusions) It is proved that the continuously developing scientific and technical potential ensured the solution of major national economic problems, including the creation of Machine Systems. It is established that as the Machine Systems evolved, priority was given to improving reliability, safety, energy and resource saving, power/weight ratio, expanding functionality, multiplicativity, improving operators’ working conditions, quality of work, unifying components, and further increasing productivity.

Agricultural machinery is stated to break down mainly due to the wear of structural parts. Thus, there is a necessity to apply new materials for manufacturing individual machine units whose characteristics will not be inferior to those of their prototypes. The paper primarily focuses on the components that work in movable joints, in particular, on the sleeve type bronze plain bearings which are exposed to high wear and often need replacing. The use of polymers for manufacturing such parts is supposed to solve the problem of untimely failure of machine components. (Research purpose) To compare the tribotechnical properties of cultivator sliding bearings made of bronze and polyamide. (Materials and methods) Two samples were made: one was made of the sliding bearing (BrO10F1 grade bronze) of the SunGarden GT10 cultivator, the other – of a PA-6 polyamide type rod. Special equipment was used such as: X-ray fluorescence spectrometer Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t 900 GOLDD+, TRB-S-DE Tribometer CSM Instruments. (Results and discussion) Comparative tribotechnical ball-disk tests were carried out. It was found out that polyamide sample has certain advantages over a bronze standard: it has a 4-times better friction coefficient and a 12-times better wear intensity. (Conclusions) It was determined that the use of polymer plain bearings will result in 2 times longer service life of agricultural cultivators and their 1.5 times increased efficiency.

Artificial intelligence is stated to be more and more widely used in agriculture, as well as for the diagnostics of the agricultural machinery condition. It was noted that in besides software, new computing devices are developed that enable processing and storing large amounts of data. (Research  purpose) To create a neural network-based software package for remote diagnostics of the limit state of machinery individual components and assemblies. (Materials and methods) Foreign studies within the problem area were analysed. It was found out that for data collection for artificial intelligence there exist STM32 and Arduino microcontroller-based devices, and the Nvidia CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) hardware and software platform is used. For the software was developed in the C / C ++ programming language, and the MS SQL Server database were used as a repository. The general software is emphasized to be able to run on all major operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux. The role of neural network is argued to be important since it integrated all program blocks and provides its own analysis.  (Results and discussion) The information from the diagnostics devices is accumulated in a database. The neural network created on the basis of this database is constantly learning and simultaneously analyzing incoming data in real time, automatically issuing its recommendations. It was found that the neural network created by the employees of the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM has more functional options, for example, it is able to work directly with devices and conduct a more detailed technical analysis. (Conclusions) A neural network for equipment condition diagnostics was created, which increases the efficiency of decision-making in case of repair, and improves forecast and predictability. The criteria for equipment operation were proposed.

 It is noted that for the rational use of pesticides in industrial horticulture, it is necessary to reduce their consumption practicing the local treatment of each plant, uniform distribution of the working fluid at a set rate while treating a tree’s or a shrub’s crown. The analysis of the technical equipment of modern industrial horticulture in Russia reveals an insufficient level of mechanization in terms of managing the parameters of both the technological process and machinery. (Research purpose) To develop an algorithm for calculating the parameters of a boom garden sprayer when treating fruit plants with pesticides, to ensure their high-quality application, reduce losses and eliminate the risks of environmental pollution. (Materials and methods) The research is based on analytical methods of optimization offered by applied mathematics, the theory of choosing the parameters of agricultural mobile machines, criteria for assessing the quality of the working fluid distribution during the fruit plant treatment, data on the crown shape of the trees and shrubs being cultivated. (Results and discussion) It was established that the amount of working fluid per unit length of the perimeter and the quality of distribution depend on the shape of the spray jet distribution diagram, the degree of the distribution diagrams overlap, the distance between the boom and the tree’s or shrub’s axis of symmetry, the distance of the nozzles from the boom, the shape of the distribution diagram. Analytical dependencies were obtained to calculate the rate (dose) of pesticides and the quality of their distribution over the treated surface. (Conclusions) An algorithm for the analytical calculation of a boom garden sprayer parameters was developed, which makes it possible to evaluate the impact on the rate of applying pesticides and on the quality of distributing the pesticide working liquid, characterized by the variation coefficient. At the same time, the following parameters were taken into account: the distribution diagram of the pesticide working fluid, the number of nozzles on the vertical sprayer boom, the height of their location on the boom, the distance from the boom to the crown surface, the distance between the boom and the trunk of the tree treated, the crown perimeter. The algorithm was verified for specific parameter values: the distance of 1.0 meter from the vertical boom to the axis of the tree (shrub) trunk; the distance of 0.5 meter between the nozzles and the vertical bar, the height of the nozzles on the vertical bar of 0.3, 0.8 and 1.3 meter, the working fluid flow rate of 2.5 liters per minute, the coefficient characterizing the distribution diagram of 5.61. The dose of the pesticide working solution to apply was calculated as follows: 174.6 liters per hectare with a coefficient of variation of 4.94 percent, which corresponds to the agrotechnical requirements.

It is shown that the use of low-quality sprayers for pesticide application can lead to the yield decrease and negative environmental consequences. The use of worn nozzles is noted to reduce the efficiency of plant treatment, since the deviation from the dosage norm of plant protection products reaches 30-60 percent. It is noted that foreign-made sprayers are most often used in Russia, since there are no domestic analogues providing similar output parameters. (Research purpose) To investigate the output parameters of the developed slotted agricultural sprayer and compare them with the performance of advanced imported analogues. (Materials and methods) A prototype model of the developed sprayer was made of bronze using mechanical treatment. It was examined on a special test bench in comparison with a reference polymer sprayer. Using optical microscopy the flow rate of the working fluid and the spray angle were measured, as well as the dimensions of the sprayer nozzle. (Results and discussion) It was found that, on average, in the prototype sprayer made of bronze, the flow rate of the working fluid is 1.7 times greater and the spray angle is 37.16 degrees less than those of a reference polymer sprayer. The examination of the spray nozzles by an optical microscope revealed some differences in shape and size. (Conclusions) The developed design of the sprayer reveals a need for improvement: the nozzle shape should be modified to ellipsoid; the nozzle size should be reduced.

Most of the cultivated fields in Russia are acknowledged to have irregular contours, therefore mineral fertilizers are applied irrationally at the field boundaries. To eliminate this problem, the manufacturers of solid mineral fertilizer spreaders offer several technological solutions: in most cases, the application area is limited by changing the granule flight path. (Research purpose) To develop a distributor disc for a variable application area to use in mineral fertilizer spreaders equipped with variable rate application systems. (Materials and methods) The trajectory for applying mineral fertilizer granules was estimated depending on the bend angle of the distributor disk blade. We designed 3D disk models with a variable blade bend angle from 0 to 25 degrees, which were uploaded into the RealFlow program for the subsequent simulation of solid mineral fertilizer distribution. (Results and discussion) The coordinates were obtained for mineral fertilizer granules that dropped from the disk and landed on the surface. We built graphs of the mineral fertilizer distribution on the field surface. It was found out that changing the bend angle of the distributor disc blade within a 20-degree range makes it possible to vary the granule flight path within 10 meters of width and 8 meters of length, respectively. We developed a design of a mineral fertilizer distributor disk with an adjustable application rate. (Conclusions) A disk design was proposed for a smooth change in the blade bend angle within up to 25 degrees, which will allow the use of this system in conjunction with automated rate application systems, improve the distribution accuracy of solid mineral fertilizers and ameliorants in the boundary, edge and wedge-shaped sections of fields.

The relevance of artificial intelligence in agriculture is substantiated for irrigation optimization. (Research purpose) To report on the progress made over the past few years in the application of artificial intelligence to optimize crop irrigation. (Materials and methods) The review focuses on the most salient facts and important scientific information on the application of artificial intelligence in crop production. The review is based on Various databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, RSCI) and online sources (Research Gate, Springer Nature Open Access, Wiley Online Library). It is shown how the integration of machine learning models can provide intelligent irrigation management. The review reports on the research trends and applicability of machine learning methods, as well as the deployment of developed machine learning models for sustainable irrigation management. (Results and discussion) Mobile and web platforms are shown to be able to facilitate intelligent irrigation management. Machine learning proves to be one of the central areas of artificial intelligence helping researchers to work more creatively and efficiently. The review notes the problems of introducing artificial intelligence in crop production and specifies the future research areas in the machine learning implementation and digital farming solutions. (Conclusions) The relevance of the intelligent system in irrigation and water management is proved for sustainable agriculture. It is revealed that, despite the extensive literature available, machine learning modeling for crop irrigation management is still in its infancy. The countries leading in this area are China, the United States and Australia.

It is noted that the existing weighing platforms for weighing dairy cattle demonstrate certain shortcomings during the grading process. It was proposed to determine the fatness of animals by scanning their sacrum with optical systems, which allows monitoring their physiological state and, in case of deterioration, promptly change the diet. (Research purpose) To develop a modular system for the digitalization of appraisal process ensuring the autonomy and independence of modules. (Materials and methods) The emphasis is paid on the necessity of integrating into the whole farm system by using a unified Internet space. The development of a modular system for digitalization of appraisal was divided into 4 modules. A grading algorithm was worked out and compared with the layout diagram of the modules in order to assess the volume of work on the grading digitalization. Four strain gauges were installed in the weighing module. (Results and discussion) It was proved that the module provides high-precision weighing of animals (C3 accuracy), regardless of the external influence factors such as cow movements and the asymmetrical position of the cow inside the system box. The results can be displayed on the display of a single control unit. The camera of the vision module was placed at a height of 2,200 millimeters, which eliminates it being damaged by the animals and provides an unobstructed view for the 3D ToF camera. The transportation dimensions of the system prototype are as follows: length – 2,500 millimeters, width – 1,564, height – 2,118 millimeters. The total mass of the manufactured system, including the original platform, is approximately 620-640 kilograms. (Conclusions) A modular system for digitalization of appraisal work has been successfully developed and created. The weighing module was tested revealing an error of less than 1 percent, when testing the system with a reference mass of 655 kilograms and that of 1,200 kilograms. 

Tillage of fallow fields in summer is shown to be important for obtaining high quality food grains. The need for the engineering calculation of working bodies is emphasized, since the existing tillage machines and tools do not fully ensure the implementation of this technological process. (Research purpose) To develop a methodology for engineering calculation of the working body parameters for continuous fallow field tillage in summer. (Materials and methods) An analysis of the working body design has been conducted. It reveals that some of the working bodies bring a significant amount of wet soil layers to the surface, and others do not ensure a stable processing depth (4-6 centimeters) or do not completely destroy weeds. An engineering calculation method is proposed. It takes into account the following parameters of the working body: the angles of setting the lower part against the motion line and against the horizon, the angle of setting the upper part against the horizon, the conjugation radius of the upper and lower parts, the length of the cutting edge. (Results and discussion) A working body design is created meeting the agrotechnical requirements. The following parameters of the working body design are obtained: the angle of setting the lower part against the motion line is within 38-42 degrees and against the horizon – within 15-18 degrees, the angle of the upper part in the longitudinal-vertical and transverse-vertical planes is within 38-42 degrees, the conjugation radius of the upper and lower parts is within 0.2-0.3 millimeters, and the cutting edge length is of 282 millimeters. (Conclusions) A methodology for engineering calculation of the designed working body parameters is developed. It enables continuous fallow field tillage taking into account the soil physical and mechanical properties and the required indicators of the technological process.

Soil splitting is used to prevent water and wind erosion of soils, improve their water-air regime in mountain meadows and pastures. It reduces soil loss, improves plants moisture supply, affects herbage species composition and increases fodder lands yield. The advantages of a small-sized unit have been described ensuring gentle splitting with the formation of water-absorbing splits on the slopes. (Research purpose) To create a small-sized maneuverable splitter for mountain meadows and pastures, to determine its agrotechnical parameters, to give a graphic-analytical substantiation of the splitting working process in areas with a slope of up to 12 degrees. (Materials and methods) A technical examination of the unit laboratory sample was carried out at an altitude of 1540 meters above the sea level. The slitter working width was determined by two passes at 25 points located at the intervals of at least 1 meter in the unit movement direction. (Results and discussion) A splitter for the mountain area was built on the basis of a Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor, reducing the load on the soil. An optimal arrangement scheme for the splitter working bodies has been developed when moving along a slope. The scheme of the unit movement on the slope was substantiated. The following technological parameters were set: the distance between the splits is 1,000 millimeters, the depth of slip cutting is 200220 millimeters, the split width is 10-30 millimeters. (Conclusions) It was determined having penetrated into the soil, the shift in the reaction of the working body located on the slope top side of the tractor axis stabilizes the position of the unit when moving across the slope, preventing it from sliding down. It was found that being 1,000 mm apart from each other and of the width of not more than 35 mm, the splitter cutting-knives do not destroy the turf layer, do not damage the edges of the slot. The use of a Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor enabled to decrease the unit weight load of on the agrocenosis during movement.

The relevance of the information on the technical capabilities of new tractors being launched into the Russian market is confirmed. (Research purpose) To compare the operational properties of China's Zoomlion and YTO agricultural tractors, and prepare recommendations for domestic agricultural producers. (Materials and methods) The previous research was summarized and analysed, with a special attention on the definition and comparative analysis of the operational properties of Belarus family tractors and foreign tractors, including those made in China. The following methods were used: calculation, comparison, forecasting, economic and mathematical modeling, expert assessments and others. Mathematical dependencies were used to determine the tractor pulling and traction properties, the productivity of machine-tractor units, and specific fuel consumption. (Results and discussion) The operational properties of Zoomlion and YTO tractors were grouped into the categories of approximately equal power, and studied. The performance indicators of the machine-tractor unit were compared during the technological operation "cultivation", as well as its specific fuel consumption. The effect of ballast weights was determined. It was found that in the Zoomlion RN904 and YTO-X904 group, the productivity of the former is 2.4 percent higher, and the specific fuel consumption is 5.1 percent lower; in the Zoomlion RN1104 and YTO-X1104 group, the productivity is 4.9 percent higher, and the specific fuel consumption is 3.9 percent higher; in the Zoomlion RS1304 and YTO-X1304 group, the former outperforms by both indicators - by 8.4 and 10.4 percent, respectively; in the Zoomlion RS1604 and YTO-ELG1604 group, this difference is even more pronounced - 21.3 and 15.4 percent, respectively. (Conclusions). It has been proved that in the group of tractors with the engine power of 66.2-95.6 kilowatts, Zoomlion tractor’s productivity is 5.6 percent higher than that of YTO, and the specific fuel consumption is 4.2 percent lower. It was determined that in the group with the engine power of 117.7 kilowatts, the operational properties are better for YTO.