This research paper examines the findings presented in the doctoral and PhD theses from the Southern Urals scientific school specifically focusing on the design process of tillage machines and units through the application of mathematical modeling. (Research purpose) The objective of the study is to identify the patterns in designing tillage machines and units and, based on these patterns forecast their potential enhancements using mathematical modeling. (Materials and methods) The paper analyses the creation of mathematical models based on field tests of tillage machine under diverse soil and climatic conditions emphasizing the authors’ optimal design and upgrade decisions (Results and discussion) The research reveals that the design process of soil-cultivating machines progressed through such stages as: empirical design, computational experimentation and the use of computer-aided design. The evolutionary development of research tools demonstrates a gradual convergence between the mathematical models and the actual working conditions of tillage machines and units. Consequently, this enables the improvement and substantiation of tillage machine parameters to meet specific quality criteria for the tillage process, as well as the development of adaptable crop cultivation technologies applicable to various regions’ soil and climatic conditions. (Conclusions) The study concludes that to enhance the performance of tillage machines and units and achieve the desired quality parameters, further research should focus on machine computer-aided design, including the design of vibratory working bodies, utilization of compressed air and electromagnetic fields, creation of highly automated soil-cultivating machines capable of adjusting to specified working conditions, and development of remote control systems for managing tillage and sowing machine operations.

The paper considers a promising and effective screen-type potato sorting, included in the mechanized complex for potato post-harvest processing and storage. The main technological equipment of potato sorting stations is a sorting device that separates potato tubers into size fractions. The paper emphasizes the relevance of developing effective methods for designing and calculating the parameters of this type sorting devices. (Research purpose) To upgrade the sizing machine drive by modifying the sieve movement patterns for improving its operation efficiency. (Materials and methods) The present research exploits the critical analysis methods of the theory of mechanisms and machines in order to design the optimal design of a sieve-type potato sorting drive. It is proposed to use a two–stage drive mechanism. To compare the movement patterns of the screen sieves, the efficiency coefficient has been calculated for two drive options. (Results and discussion) It is obtained that the sieve efficiency coefficient is 0.30-1.65 for a screen type sorting device with a two–stage drive mechanism, and equals 0.27-1.35 for a screen type sorting device with a crank drive mechanism. (Conclusions) It is recommended to use a lower drive shaft speed of – 13.12-14.76 radians per second, at the crank angular velocity of 20 radians per second in the crank drive mechanism. The sieve mounting angles are to be set within 6-8 degrees.

The paper shows that the constant use of mountain meadows and pastures leads to soil degradation and herbage depletion. It is noted that grass overseeding on the sparse mountain grass meadows and pastures helps to increase their yield and nutritional value. It is revealed that there is a lack of small-sized maneuverable machines capable of grass overseeding in the sparse mountain areas. (Research purpose) To develop and manufacture a laboratory model of a block module aggregated with the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface grass overseeding, to ensure an accelerated increase in the perennial grass yield and soil resistance to water and wind erosion. (Materials and methods) The restoring technology was substantiated and a laboratory block module was developed for sowing legumes and cereals. The seeding unit and technology were tested in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania at a 1540-meter altitude above sea level. Grasses were overseeded on a sparse section of a 13-16-degree steep northern slope in the area of Sugsadtanrag. The technical examination of the unit was carried out in accordance with the agrotechnical requirements and terms of reference. The surface application of grass seeds was performed according to the norms. (Results and discussion) A laboratory block module aggregated with the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface grass overseeding was produced. It is established that the laboratory model of the unit complies with the agrotechnical requirements and terms of reference. (Conclusions) It is found that within the second year of using the unit, there was a 90-170 percent increase in the herbage yield and a certain improvement in the botanical composition, which positively affected the feed quality. The use of the developed block-module is proved to be reasonable and helpful in mountain meadows and pastures having 16-degree steep slopes.

The paper points out the problem with automated diagnostics of body condition in dairy cattle, including ketosis. The conducted research is aimed at determining the possibility for non-contact automated diagnostics of the cattle physiological state on a daily basis. (Research purpose) To develop an algorithm for complex operational diagnostics of the physiological state of dairy cows by their live weight and body condition. (Materials and methods) Field data were collected in 2021-2022 on the FSUE Grigoryevskoye (Yaroslavl Region), Istra Cheese Factory and Lenin Dairy State Farm (Moscow Region). A commercial 3D ToF (Time-of-Flight) camera  O3D303 was used. The 3D camera is capable of calculating and displaying the Point Cloud space as a multidimensional array. The program received 144 images, 136 images passed the filtering stage, 6 images did not detect the areas of interest, because of the high level of image noise, and the sacrum was not detected. 62 cows were subject to research. (Results and discussion) The sample and the dependence are proved to be representative as the Pearson correlation coefficient equals R=0.849, which shows a strong linear relationship between the body condition score and live weight. It was determined that in 24 percent of cases the body condition score is less than the least normal one. An algorithm was developed to help veterinarians to detect the animals that need additional examination. (Conclusions) It was found that the developed algorithm helps to quickly detect ketosis in dairy cows and automatically diagnose physiological diseases at an early stage, without additional labor and monetary costs.

This paper explores a method for the early detection of subacute rumen acidosis through continuous monitoring of rumen content acidity using wireless pH sensors. The study emphasizes the importance of reliable device operation and measurement accuracy as primary requirements for such devices. (Research purpose) This study aims to evaluate the functionality and accuracy of the eBolus (USA) and BoviSan (Russia, FSBSI FSAC VIM) sensors throughout their declared service life of 150 days. (Materials and methods) Three dairy cows with a rumen fistula were administered two boluses from each manufacturer during a period of 154 days. In order to ensure accurate measurements, the boluses were activated and calibrated prior to use. On the first day of data collection, the activated and calibrated boluses were sequentially immersed in buffer solutions with a pH of 4 and pH of 7. The buffer solutions were maintained at a controlled temperature of 39 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 2 hours. At 14-day intervals, the boluses were extracted from the rumen and subjected to retesting in buffer solutions. (Results and discussion) For BoviSan, the confidence interval for the mean difference suggests a systematic negative pH bias (– 0.33 to – 0.25). The average lifespan of the eBolus was determined to be 82 days, with a range of 28 to 126 days. In contrast, BoviSan boluses consistently recorded pH levels throughout their announced lifespan. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a 95% confidence interval for the mean pH difference of the eBolus boluses (– 0.02 to 0.19), indicating no significant bias. Conversely, the confidence interval for the mean difference in pH for BoviSan suggested a consistent negative bias (– 0.33 to – 0.25). (Conclusions) In practical applications, it is essential to ensure enhanced reliability of eBolus boluses, while prioritizing higher measurement accuracy with BoviSan boluses.

The study of indoor plant lighting is noted to be an interdisciplinary research area. Thus, there is a need to integrate various technical sciences and practical methods in growing plants under artificial conditions. Nowadays, it is reasonable to treat energy-ecological efficiency of indoor plant lighting as a complex scientific direction that takes into account substance flow forming the energy and environmental indicators of an artificial agroecosystem. (Research purpose) To develop an experimental laboratory phytotron intended for research on the energy-ecology efficiency of indoor plant lighting, and to conduct its biological testing. (Materials and methods) From the standpoint of the logical-semantic approach, the term "energy-ecological efficiency" was interpreted as a conjunction of its components - energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. The paper outlines the theoretical fundamentals of the energy-ecological efficiency approach to indoor plant lighting, which determine the experimental research features. The requirements for the techniques of conducting experiments are formulated. The phytotron design and its operation principles are described. Biological testing was carried out on Blagovest F1 tomato plants (Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill.) in the seedling phase of plant development. The plant response to changes in the lighting factors was determined: photoperiod (normal and extended), spectrum (a blue-enhanced spectrum and a control one), and irradiance level (low, medium, and high). (Results and discussion) Under the varied lighting conditions, energy-ecology efficiency varied from 0.075 grams per mole (with the control spectrum, an extended photoperiod and high irradiance) to 0.138 grams per mole (with the blue-enhanced spectrum, a normal photoperiod and medium irradiance). (Conclusions) An experimental laboratory phytotron was developed to study the energy-ecology efficiency of indoor plant lighting. The ability to control irradiance was achieved depending on the mass of plants. The phytotron unit provides easy access to plants, it is compact, ergonomic and has improved functional capacity.

The paper explores the technological aspects and methods involved in the preparation of flax straw within the framework of separate fiber flax harvesting technology. This particular technology allows for the prolonged maturation of seeds in the field. The study demonstrates that during the process of seasoning flax straw in the form of unprocessed stem ribbons, the seeds within the capsules undergo natural drying and ripening. This approach enables a reduction in fuel consumption compared to the traditional scheme while obtaining high-quality fiber and seeds suitable for sowing. (Research purpose) The objective of this study is to assess the quality of raw flax during the stage of straw flax preparation. (Materials and methods) The study investigates the processes and technical units involved in fiber flax harvesting, adhering to regulatory guidelines during the stages of stem pulling, seasoning, turning, picking, and processing are thoroughly examined. (Results and discussion) The research results have revealed the indicators for biological productivity of straw and seeds during the process of straw flax preparation. Under different seeding rates, the yield of straw flax ranges from 23.1 to 24.8 centners per hectare during a 14-day seasoning period and from 20.8 to 22.2 centners per hectare on the 21st day. These findings demonstrate that the average yield under various harvesting conditions is 20-30 centners per hectare. The flaxseed yield, ranging from 2.9 to 4.1 centners per hectare at different maturation periods, can be considered satisfactory. Furthermore, it was observed that the elongation of the flax ribbon increases after turning, compared to its initial state, when the combine speed is 5.3 and 7.8 kilometers per hour, remaining within the acceptable limits. However, at a speed of 9.6 kilometers per hour, there was a violation of agrotechnical requirements. (Conclusions) The separate harvesting of flax has proven to be effective during a three-week period of raw flax seasoning. It is important to note that when turning unprocessed flax ribbons, the working speed should not exceed 9 kilometers per hour.

It is shown that the transition to a new low-temperature method of convective drying leads to a reduction in grain drying costs.The implementation of this method is confirmed to require expanded temperatures generated by the TBM-1.7 furnace unit that the SZSh-16A shaft dryer is equipped with. It is noted that a plant-manufactured burner nozzle works smoothly only when the fuel consumption is 40-100 kilograms per hour, and the air heating temperatures are 50-130 degrees Celsius. (Research purpose) To determine the jet optimal parameters for smooth operation of the nozzle in the TBM-1.7 combustion unit working on the liquid fuel at the extended air heating temperatures of 15-130 degrees Celsius. (Materials and methods) The designs of four types of jets were studied on the burner nozzle of the TBM-1.7 combustion unit. In total, the operation of 160 jets was examined.  The jets were made of steel. They differed in the number of holes, their length, diameter, the availability of threads. (Results and discussion) It is determined that the nozzle smooth operation is provided only by jets with threaded holes, whose optimal length is 4 millimeters. The air heating temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius is provided by M3 four-hole jet, and the temperature of 25-40 degrees Celsius is provided by M4 three-hole jet. (Conclusions) It is found that jets with smooth holes, regardless of their types, do not provide fuel combustion. It is found that the transition to a new low-temperature convective method led to a reduction in fuel consumption during the drying process, which, in turn, made it possible to save 300 thousand rubles during the harvesting period on the experimental farm in 2022.

Abstract. The operating temperature of the transmission unit is noted to affect its reliability and can serve as a diagnostic criterion. It is proposed to diagnose the transmission unit technical condition by the temperature in the friction zone in order to take into account the influence of air temperature, solar radiation heating and adjacent heat-producing objects. (Research purpose) To ensure the bearing unit controllability based on the thermal load study. (Materials and methods) The study uses the results of calculating the nominal and operational load of the rear power take-off shaft of the Belarus-82.1 tractor. The study uses the three-dimensional modeling and finite element analysis of the temperature distribution under steady-state thermal conductivity conditions. To establish the functional relationship between the temperature in the friction zone and the diagnostic temperature, the method of finite element analysis is used under steady-state thermal conductivity conditions. (Results and discussion) The maximum load modes and temperatures in the friction zone were determined for the 60310A bearing of the power take-off shaft gearbox during aggregation with different agricultural machines such as 4300 Newtons and 2.4 degrees Celsius for FS-2.0U garden cutter (540 revolutions per minute); 4126 Newtons and 40.7 degrees Celsius for  Rovatti T3K80/90/2 (540 revolutions per minute) irrigation pump; 956 Newtons and 13.0 degrees Celsius for ROU-6 (1000) manure spreader; 2615 Newtons and 36.6 degrees Celsius for KPRN-3.0A (1000) mower-conditioner. The maximum temperatures as a diagnostic criterion are established in the friction zone, which equal to 41.7 degrees Celsius at 540 revolutions per minute engine speed and 31 degrees Celsius at 1000 revolutions per minute. (Conclusions) Since the direct measurement of the temperature in the friction zone is hardly possible without changing the bearings design, it is proposed to measure the diagnostic temperature on the unit used for mounting the temperature sensor. The coefficient of proportionality k=0.53 of the finite element model is determined. In order to implement diagnostics in an automatic mode, an algorithm is developed for a digital transmission malfunction recorder. Its design is based on the ATmega328 programmable microcontroller and TMP36 temperature sensors. It is found that the digital transmission malfunction recorder provides automatic control of up to seven different transmission units simultaneously, taking into account the ambient temperature.

Abstract. It is shown that simulation modeling of physical processes makes it possible to study the interaction of soil-cutting parts with soil during the observation period of 2-6 hours, when it is required to compress the time scale for creating a new design. (Research purpose) To develop models of the tribological process for abrasive wear of soil-cutting parts based on the combination of simulated loading of friction surfaces with the parameters of the real soil force equivalents. (Materials and methods) This study is based on the simulated loading method and the method of comparing the force equivalents of simulated and real loadings of the friction surfaces of soil-cutting parts using the example of loading flat diagrams. The paper describes the features of non-standard laboratory equipment that facilitates the construction of normal stress diagrams on friction surfaces. As a prototype, a straight wedge opener was investigated. (Results and discussion) As a result the friction surface loading diagrams were obtained with a change in the loosening angles and the range of the stress diagram area from 2,000 to 12,000 square millimeters. The values of force equivalents acting from the real soils of the proposed operating areas were determined. It was noted that combining the characteristics of simulated loading of working parts with the parameters of real soil force equivalents makes it possible to predict the reliability and service life of the created structures of soil-cutting parts. (Conclusions) It has been established that the obtained model of the tribolithic process for abrasive wear of soil-cutting part ensures the superposition of simulated loading results with the values of real soil force equivalents, thus providing a 0.5-1 year reduction in the terms of creating new parts and maintaining the normative indices of technological process reliability and quality.

The paper highlights the importance of keeping the working surfaces of agricultural machinery clean and describes the existing modern equipment for its cleaning. (Research purpose) To develop a biofuel system for cleaning machines, equipment and tools in the field. It is proposed to apply a mobile steam generator using wood, chocks, straw and other agricultural waste as a fuel and capable of providing pressure of 5 kilograms per square centimeter and a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius. (Materials and methods) The paper describes the algorithm of the steam generator operation and presents its main technical characteristics and the design diagram. Theoretical calculations of the air consumption for the constant and adjustable air supply systems are provided. (Results and discussion) It has been established that one load of 8 kilograms of biofuel and 6 liters of water ensures 20-25 minutes of intense steam production. The steam generator was equipped with two systems for supplying air to the furnace, a safety valve for dumping steam at excess pressure. The boiler has a built-in superheater that ensures the necessary steam characteristics at the boiler outlet. (Conclusions) The developed steam generator reveals the following advantages: mobility, use of biofuel, a 20-25 minutes continuous supply of superheated steam at one load. The new unit is designed for long-term operation and it is capable of not only defrosting and cleaning a frozen manure conveyor, a manure trolley, a spreader, and loader working bodies, but also warming up larger agricultural machinery. It is also suitable for sanitizing seed harvesting and livestock equipment in the field.

Abstract. The technique of seed sowing using ears plays a crucial role in the cultivation, selection, and propagation of new grain crop varieties. It offers distinct advantages over traditional seed sowing methods, as it provides a higher guarantee of varietal purity. (Research purpose) The objectives of this research are twofold: first, to design and develop a prototype of a single-row seeder equipped with a disk cassette sowing device, specifically tailored for ear sowing in breeding and seed nurseries of grain crops; and second, to assess the performance parameters of the sowing device and the agrotechnical indicators of the entire technological process. (Materials and methods) A schematic diagram of a single-row seeder equipped with a disk-cassette sowing device has been proposed. The specifications of the disk-cassette sowing device were obtained through calculations. Additionally, a methodology for conducting laboratory and field testing of the experimental sample has been developed. (Results and discussion) A prototype single-row ear seeder has been developed and manufactured. The functionality and performance of the disk-cassette sowing device have been evaluated and verified. The effectiveness and reliability of the prototype ear seeder have been assessed through laboratory and field tests, specifically during the sowing of Ivita winter wheat. These tests have enabled the determination of key agrotechnical indicators for the ear sowing process. (Conclusions) The optimal parameters for the disk-cassette sowing device have been determined, which include a disk diameter of 27 centimeters, an average diameter of the circle containing the cells for the seeded material of 21 centimeters, a total of 16 cells, each with an inner diameter of 3 centimeters and a length of 15 centimeters. A formula was derived to establish the correlation between the ear seeding density and the design parameters of the seeder. Field experiments conducted with the prototype provided data on various agrotechnical indicators relevant to the implementation of the technological process. Specifically, the measurements revealed that the distance between the ears in the sowing pass was recorded as 29.5 centimeters and 30.8 centimeters for the respective coulter travel depth settings of 3.5 centimeters and 5 centimeters. Furthermore, the average actual depth of the furrow was found to be 3 centimeters and 4 centimeters for the corresponding settings, while the width of the furrow bottom was measured at 6 centimeters.