The paper shows the effectiveness of agricultural machinery parts restoration by reducing metal and fuel consumption as well as labor costs. (Research purpose) The paper analyzes the evolution of the machine part restoration system during the agricultural industrialization process in Russia, and explores the role of industrial science in developing methodologies for machine repairing and part restoration. (Materials and methods) Publications on the history of the parts restoration industry were thoroughly reviewed. Special attention was given to the decrees issued by Soviet government bodies, including the targeted comprehensive program of the State Committee of Science and Technology, the USSR State Planning Committee, and the State Committee for Agricultural Technology. These programs were aimed at establishing and expanding the production base for the repair and restoration of agricultural machinery parts. (Results and discussion) In the early stages of agricultural industrialization, equipment repairs primarily involved the use of new spare parts, while worn parts were typically discarded for remelting. A significant advancement in parts restoration was the introduction of repair sizes for crankshafts and cylinder liners. Since 1975, the cost of maintaining equipment has surged sharply due to the prices of new spare parts. The paper also presents an analysis of the efforts by the All-Union Scientific and Production Association «Remdetal» to develop flow-mechanized lines and equipment for restoring agricultural machinery parts. (Conclusions) The paper illustrates the significant growth in parts restoration volumes, rising from 68 million rubles in 1965 to 539 million rubles in 1988, as well as metal savings that increased from 136 thousand tons to 1,110 thousand tons over the same period. Additionally it highlights the role of the USSR Academy of Sciences, leading scientific institutes, and machine-building enterprises in executing the targeted program to increase the restoration volumes of agricultural machinery parts and components.

The advancement of UAV technologies has enabled the automated capture of photos and videos, eliminating the need for manual intervention in flight control. (Research purpose) This research aims to conduct a retrospective analysis of the evolution offlight control systems and the development of aerial photography equipment for agricultural land, covering the period from the mid-19th century to present. (Materials and methods) A systematic literature review was conducted using the historical-analytical method. The paper examines original works by both domestic and international authors, including monographs, scientific journals, conference proceedings, museum exhibitions, photographic archives, and open-source software code. (Results and discussion) The paper identifies six distinct phases in the development of aerial photography and flight control systems. The classification is based on key innovations in camera types, control systems, and aircraft designs. Each phase highlights the predominant cameras, control systems, and aircraft utilized for agricultural applications. (Conclusions) Over the past 165 years, notable changes have occurred in aerial photography parameters, including the type of photographic material, image spatial and spectral resolution, camera weight and mounting, shutter types and their mechanisms, inertial control units, integrated GPS/GLONASS receivers, and light sensors. In terms of flight control systems for UAVs, significant developments over the last 106 years include variations in flight control types, the number offlight-stabilizing sensors, obstacle detection systems, size of the flight control units, flight modes, and takeoff/landing techniques, along with interfaces for attachments. It is anticipated that future intellectualization and miniaturization of flight control systems will not only boost UAV performance but also reduce the economic costs associated with the aerial monitoring of agricultural biological assets.

To prevent the progression of various infectious diseases, seed and planting material must undergo treatment with ultraviolet (UV) radiation at an intensity of 10-15 kilojoules. This necessitates studying the impact of UV radiation on products as they move in a flow along a conveyor belt. (Research purpose) The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using ultraviolet radiation to improve the storage indicators of potato and other vegetable crops. It also assesses the technological parameters in both laboratory and production settings to ensure a reduction in contamination. (Materials and methods) To determine the optimal technological parameters of a machine for processing vegetable crops and potatoes before storage in the post-harvest processing system, an experimental installation was created and the electrophysical effects on storage quality indicators were examined. For the study, the most common vegetable crop varieties were selected, in particular, Lady Rosetta potato, Vitaminnaya-6 table carrot and Bordeaux 237 table beet. These crops are cultivated under various soil and climatic conditions across the Russian Federation. (Results and discussion) A methodology has been developed to assess the quality of seed material after the storage period, including the justification for the time interval, air mixture temperature parameters and ultraviolet radiation optical modes. The optimal parameters for processing potato tubers, carrots, and beets have been determined. The study examined the impact of ultraviolet exposure with established parameters on the disease development in carrot and beet crops, caused by the studied phytopathogenic microorganisms at temperatures of 2 and 25 degrees Celsius. (Conclusions) The indicators of the spread and development of infectious diseases in the studied vegetable crops show a decline trend when the translational speed of root crop movement is 0.7 meters per second, the interaxial distance between ultraviolet radiation sources is 0.1 meters, the distance from the sources to the roller surface of the conveyor belt is 0.05 meters, and a constant dose of ultraviolet exposure is applied. 

The paper highlights that it is planned to increase the cultivation area of open ground vegetables and potatoes for ensuring the food security. (Research purpose) This study aims to explore methods and technologies for pre-planting treatment of potatoes. (Materials and methods) The research was conducted in the Tula region where Rannee Utro (Early Morning) and Rokko potato varieties were studied under natural infectious conditions. Various fungicides and biological products containing different active ingredients were applied to protect potatoes. Additionally, the study investigated the eff ects oflow-pressure mercury ultraviolet discharge lamps and magnetic field treatments on the biopotential and pH levels of potatoes. (Results and discussion) The study focuses on enhancing potato yields by applying direct magnetic field exposure before planting and investigates the impact of ultraviolet irradiation on tuber growth and productivity. Signifi cant emphasis was placed on the efficacy of chemical and biological agents in preventing potato scab. The findings show that optimal biometric indicators and potato yields were achieved with a magnetic induction of 30 millitesla. Any deviation from this treatment dose results in reduced biometric indicators and yields, which, however, remain hirer than those of the untreated controls. (Conclusions) The application of fungicidal disinfectants effectively curtails the development of common scab, with the highest efficacy achieved using Rovral Aquafl o 500. Post-treatment with ultraviolet radiation at a dose of 120-240 joules per square meter enhances vegetative growth, productivity, and tuber reproduction rates. The most favorable biometric indicators and yields were observed when a magnetic induction treatment dose of 0.23 joule-seconds per kilogram was applied.

Digital twins, as virtual models of physical entities, are becoming vital in modeling various objects and phenomena in the modern world. In the agricultural sector, their role is particularly crucial, since digital twins facilitate not only the analysis of soil, climate, yield, and plant data but also the forecast of changes in these parameters. Accumulating and analysing vast amounts of information, digital twins help optimize the use of resources such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which in turn leads to increased yields and reduced costs. Moreover, digital twins enable the automation of many processes in agriculture, including the management of agricultural machinery and equipment. They provide the capability for more precise and efficient control of units such as tractors and combines, and also assist in predicting and preventing equipment failures, thereby reducing time and financial losses. (Research purpose) The paper aims to analyze software products used in the design and development of digital twins.(Materials and methods) The paper evaluates various software programs, selected based on their functionality range and compatibility with other systems.(Results and discussion) The paper assesses the effectiveness of each program in fulfilling its intended tasks. The provided examples highlight distinct features of each software type. Criteria for program selection were formulated. (Conclusions) The findings delineate the characteristics and functionalities of the evaluated software products, thereby determining their functional capabilities. Necessary requirements were defined to facilitate decision-making in selecting programs with similar functionality.

Soil fertility is determined by the presence of humus as the main part of organic matter. The extended reproduction of soil fertility is ensured by the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, the cultivation of sidereal crops and the decomposition of plant residues. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing the technologies and means of mechanization for extended reproduction of fertility. (Materials and methods) For the joint application of liquid organic fertilizers and the cultivation of siderates, a unit has been developed that implements a hose technology for transporting liquid organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are fed through pressure hose lines to the working parts deep into the soil layer. The combined unit consists of a tractor K-744 Kirovets and an adapter for deep tillage with liquid fertilizers, as well as a seeder for small-seeded crops. To level the surface of the field after the passage of the unit and the sealing of the sown seeds of the sideral culture, the unit is equipped with a tooth roller. (Results and discussion) Formulas for determining the critical processing depth are given, the power calculation of the unit is performed. The design of the tillage tool allows to install flat-cutting working parts with a grip of 0.80 meters and slits with a grip of 0.45 meters. Tests of the combined unit were carried out. The depth of tillage was 36±1 centimeters, the seeding rate of the sideral crop (oilseed radish) was 25 kilograms per hectare, the operating speed range of the unit was from 0.4 to 0.8 meters per second. (Conclusions) The uniformity of the subsurface distribution of organic fertilizers was 90-95 percent. The specific energy intensity of the technological process of the combined unit based on the K-744 tractor for intra-soil fertilization is 40-65 kilowatt hours per hectare (excluding the capacity for pumping fertilizers). Energy consumption depends on the depth of cultivation and resistivity of the soil. The proposed method allows preventing water and wind erosion of the soil, improving its agronomically valuable properties. Reducing the pesticide load on the soil and its microflora contributes to the transition to a model of sustainable agroecosystems, improving and improving crop quality. The proposed technology provides extended reproduction of soil fertility.

Given the diverse range of machines used on farms (including different brands, models, and manufacturers, etc.), the absence of regulatory guidelines often results in violations of optimality and harmony within the equipment fleet. This, in turn, leads to increased costs of finished products. (Research purpose) This study aims to generalize the results from testing grain harvesters in the southern regions of Russia and to provide a comprehensive assessment of their operational efficiency. (Materials and methods) Tests were conducted on economic entities in Southern Russia using a unified, standardized program and methodology according to GOST 28301-2015, GOST 24055-2016, and STO AIST 8.22-2010. A comprehensive assessment of combine harvesters was conducted evaluating operational and technological performance, energy consumption, and economic criteria. (Results and discussion) A technical analysis of 12 models of foreign and domestically-produced combines has revealed key characteristics that influence their productivity and operational quality. These combines exhibit a throughput capacity ranging from 6.7 kilograms per second (Nova S 340) to 13.8 kilograms per second (John Deere S690), and their engine powers vary between 180 and 530 horsepower. The specific engine power per unit of throughput also varies, ranging from 24.0 to 38.4 horsepower. Axial rotary combines are noted for their high productivity and minimal grain loss. They offer benefits such as reduced grain crushing and low levels of impurity in bunker grain. The average fuel consumption of these combines is recorded at 11.2 kilograms per hectare. (Conclusions) In terms of grain loss, grain crushing, purity, and fuel consumption, domestic combines are comparable to their foreign counterparts, and meet standard agrotechnical requirements. It is recommended that domestic designers study the cleaning mechanisms of the Laverda combine, which ensure minimizing the impurity levels in bunker grain. The cost of the combines analysed does not correlate proportionally with their increased productivity, leading to a signifi cant (up to 40%) rise in the cost of harvesting operations. The Don-1500B combine harvester shows superior economic performance, including direct and capital costs, compared to its counterparts. Therefore, discontinuing its production would be premature.

The paper highlights that in industrial plantings, pests and weeds control is conducted using sprayers. To establish the required liquid fl ow rate, it is necessary to use calculations for sprayer adjustment. A small-sized, remotely controlled «GNOM» unit, developed at Gorsk Agrarian University, is designed for various tasks, including herbicidal spraying in fruit nurseries. (Research purpose) The research aims to substantiate the optimal parameters of the spraying unit in the herbicide treatment module. It also seeks to investigate the dependence of the flow rate of the working fluid and quality of liquid spray on the pressure in the system. (Materials and methods) A laboratory installation was developed to study the spray characteristics. Nylon threads with diameters of 100 and 250 micrometers were placed within the spray zone, and the resulting liquid spray was captured using a Nikon COOLPIX 58100 digital camera. Each subsequent experiment was carried out at a liquid pressure of 0.05 megapascals more than the previous one. (Results and discussion) The experiments resulted in obtaining images of the spray swath for a small-sized self-propelled unit, allowing for the categorization of the spray based on droplet sizes. The theoretical analysis demonstrated how changes in the air volume within the tank influence both the pressure and quality of the liquid spray. Additionally, it showed how the dispersion depends on the pressure of the working fluid. (Conclusions) The analysis of the working fluid spray showed that at a pressure in the hydraulic system in the range from 0.65 to 0.75 megapascals and a spray angle of 90 degrees, the highest quality fine spray is observed, the flow rate of the working fluid is in the range of 0.4-0.6 liters per minute, which very signifi cantly affects the size of the treated area in the direction of its increase at one tank refueling unit.

Intelligent technologies used in digital agriculture, such as remote sensing, serve as a necessary tool for collecting bio-object data. It has been established that data collected through remote sensing and the Internet of Things (IoT), including comprehensive imaging of agricultural bio-objects, and their subsequent analysis will help solve numerous challenges in agricultural production. (Research purpose) The research aims to develop and validate a robotic irrigation complex for crop cultivation. This system will optimize irrigation processes by considering various environmental factors such as soil moisture, air temperature, wind speed, and other relevant conditions. (Materials and methods) The paper evaluates the signifi cance of developing a design that can optimize the process of crop cultivation and details the applications and databases integrated within the central computing center. The central computing hub monitors the current state of the irrigation area, performs calculations and develops management decisions. Utilizing mobile communications, this hub receives, processes, and transmits commands to the control panels of sprinklers, the pumping station, and the dispatcher for the machine-tractor team. (Results and discussion) The research has validated the design and main components of a robotic irrigation system for crop cultivation. Furthermore, an algorithm has been established to orchestrate the processes of data collection, calculation, and the control and management of operations. It was found that such a complex would optimize the irrigation process, reduce costs and resource consumption in the irrigated area, and decrease environmental pollution. (Conclusions) The implementation of a robotic irrigation complex will reduce water consumption, as well as material and energy costs associated with irrigation. By maintaining soil moisture within optimal ranges, this complex will enable the consistent production of high-quality crops under various weather conditions.

Drying food products and materials is one of the most common methods in processing raw materials, yet it remains an energy-intensive process. The main drawback of traditional electric convective household dryers is the loss of heat and the wet waste drying agent into the environment. Furthermore, such units are characterized by uneven heating of the dried product, attributed to a temperature decrease and increasing humidity from bottom to top. (Research purpose) The purpose of this study is to conduct laboratory experiments on the drying process of apples focusing on evaluating the energy consumption required to evaporate 1 kilogram of moisture using a newly developed convective thermoelectric drying unit and compare its energy efficiency with mass-produced convective dryers. (Materials and methods) The findings from theoretical and experimental studies facilitated the development of a functional diagram and a laboratory prototype of a convective thermoelectric dryer using a thermoelectric heat pump. The drying process involves the utilization of a drying agent (heated air) with partial air recirculation, and heat recovery from the exhaust air. (Results and discussion) Temperature variations at designated control points and the relative humidity of the drying agent at both inlet and outlet of the developed unit were graphed and analyzed. The parameters of apples before and after drying in the thermoelectric drying unit are compared with those dried in a conventional household convective dryer. The study has resulted in developing an electrical control circuit for a thermoelectric drying unit and providing expressions to calculate the hot junction radiator of an air-to-air thermoelectric heat pump integrated into the developed drying unit. (Conclusions) The study estimated the average heat recovery by the cold junction radiator of a thermoelectric heat pump from the exhaust drying agent during the drying process, amounting to approximately 20 percent of the total energy consumption by the thermoelectric drying unit from the electrical grid. The research findings demonstrate that the laboratory prototype offers a more consistent drying process for the product. This is attributed to the incorporation of side air channels and a more efficient arrangement of the drying agent’s movement within the working chamber, as opposed to traditional convective dryers. These conclusions are substantiated by the test results. It is illustrated that the use of a developed thermoelectric heat pump with heat recovery from the waste drying agent can lead to a reduction in the installed power capacity of the drying agent heater and a decrease in the energy consumption for the drying process in the developed convective thermoelectric drying unit compared to mass-produced household convective dryers.

In agriculture, tractors serve as the principal machinery for performing traction and driving operations. They are mainly powered by diesel engines with an efficiency of about 40 percent. Electric motors boast an efficiency of 95 percent, presenting the opportunity to serve as independent drives for tractor wheels. The study review existing individual wheel drive systems, revealing operational efficiency improvements of up to 20 percent. A comparative analysis was conducted between tractors using traditional power units and those equipped with electric drive systems. The study also examined factors affecting tractor traction and explored methods to enhance the traction capabilities of these vehicles. (Research purpose) The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using electric traction for individual drive systems in tractor wheels. (Materials and methods) A concept for controlling individual wheel drives has been developed, as well as an algorithm specifically for managing electric wheels. Additionally, a method has been proposed for detecting slippage, which triggers the switching of the electric wheel drive to the appropriate mode. Furthermore, a new indicator, the «slip factor,» has been introduced to correlate slip with adhesion coefficients. The value of this parameter is used as a criterion for transitioning the electric drive to a different operational mode. (Results and discussion) Traction tests were conducted on the MTZ-82.1 tractor across various supporting surfaces. The measured slip factors were as follows: 0.71 for a cropped field, 0.86 for stubble, 1.19 for fallow land, and 1.74 for asphalt pavement. To accurately assess the wheel’s performance under real conditions, torque measurements were taken using a specialized locking device. These measurements revealed angular displacements of the shaft by 0.2 degrees when subjected to a tangential traction force of 3 kilonewtons on the wheel. (Conclusions) The slip factor for the MTZ-82.1 tractor has been determined. A mathematical model has been proposed that links the wheel’s adhesion properties with slipping. The model proves to be applicable up to a slip limit of 30 percent. This multifactorial approach enables the creation of an adaptive program to enhance wheel efficiency. Additionally, the capability to measure wheel torque has been established.

The paper shows that using an automated combined unit with a universal tillage adapter for surface tillage represents a relevant and promising direction in the development of agricultural machinery. (Research purpose) The study aims to develop an automated combined unit equipped with a universal adapter designed to improve soil quality and increase the stability of the unit’s movement. (Materials and methods) The tillage adapter consists of two arc-shaped segments mounted at the front on a common axis that allows rotation. The rear sections contain a mini-hydraulic cylinder, which is remotely connected to the wireless actuator of the unit’s hydraulic system. The arcuate segments are equipped with replaceable cutting attachments and measure 25 centimeters in length. Mounted on a common axis with these segments, a holder is installed at the top at an angle of 40-45 degrees to the horizontal plane, while a saber-shaped slotter is positioned at the bottom at an angle of 15-20 degrees. (Results and discussion) It was discovered that the developed unit, equipped with an innovative adapter, facilitates three simultaneous operations: cutting the soil in a horizontal plane, loosening the soil, and eliminating weeds. Additionally, the working width of the device can be automated adjusted from the tractor cabin. The design of the unit improves tillage quality, increases movement stability, protects segments from wear and reduces manufacturing costs. (Conclusions) The proposed combined soil tillage unit provides crumbling, leveling, rolling and slicing of soil, and improves soil infi ltration. The location of the holder and slotting device with an inclination to the horizontal plane of 40-45 and 15-20 degrees, respectively, reduces the traction resistance of the unit and reduces energy costs.

In cassette-type selection seeders, a cassette loading device sequentially conveys cassettes filled with seed material to the planting mechanism of the seeder. (Research purpose) The research aims to calculate the geometric parameters and identify the cassette material in the development of a robotic cassette loading device for the selection seeder. (Materials and methods) The geometric parameters of the cassettes are determined based on the existing cassette loading device of the model SSS-2-6 selection seeder and the selection sowing specifi cations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with the wavenumber range of 400-4000 cm^–1 is used to identify a polymer material suitable for manufacturing cassettes and a guide plate for a selection seeder. (Results and discussion) The geometric parameters of cassettes, cells, cassette blocks, and guide plates are determined by using various design solutions employed in previous cassettes for the loading device. The objectives of the study also encompass the selection of polymer material for the manufacture of the cassette using 3D modeling techniques. To accomplish this, it was necessary to identify the specific polymer material of the plastic cassette and guide plate samples currently used in the loading device of the SSSe-6 selection seeder. The qualitative composition of these samples is determined by infrared spectroscopy using a Simex FT-801 Infrared Fourier spectrometer. (Conclusions) The geometric parameters essential for modeling, manufacturing and further development of a robotic cassette loading device are calculated. It has been established that the device is made of a copolymer consisting of acrylonitrile, polybutadiene and styrene (known as ABS plastic), which has a sliding friction coefficient approximately 0.47-0.54. In order to decrease the coefficient of cassette friction when driving along the guide plates, additives like ceramide can be introduced into ABS during their production enhancing its sliding properties.

The paper explores the feasibility of substituting steel working bodies with polymer ones in soil-cultivating units. (Research purpose) The research aims to investigate how the friction parameters of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) are affected by variations in absolute soil moisture and speed of the unit during the interaction of its working body with loamy soil. (Materials and methods) A laboratory unit was developed to examine the friction characteristics of the polymer in contact with loamy soil. The study measures the friction and adhesion properties by altering the absolute moisture of loamy soil. (Results and discussion) Graphs were constructed to illustrate the relationship between of the friction parameters of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) on absolute soil moisture. It was determined that at absolute soil moistures of 18, 20 and 26 percent, the friction coefficients of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene are 0.45, 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. The adhesion values were recorded at 100, 145 and 700 pascals for absolute soil moistures of 18, 20 and 28 percent, respectively. A decrease in both friction and adhesion was observed when the soil moisture reached between 26% and 28%. (Conclusions) The friction properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) are lower than those of steel, yet significantly higher than those of fluoroplastic. Further research in this area is expected to significantly increase the effi ciency of selecting materials for the manufacturing of working parts in soil-cultivating units, while also reducing energy costs.

The rising demand for food products and subsequent increase in agricultural production leads to heightened quantities of waste and by-products, particularly within the livestock industry. Traditional methods of livestock by-product disposal encompass intensive processing, including biodestruction processes. However, these processes tend to generate significant emissions of climate-active gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia. To mitigate environmental impacts, it is proposed to integrate an advanced gas-air emission purification system into the existing livestock by-product processing lines. (Research purpose) The objective is to develop a system for purifying emissions of climate-active gases, particularly ammonia, produced during the intensive biotechnological processing of livestock by-products. (Materials and methods) Based on the properties of the primary pollutants, possible methods for their removal from emissions were determined. Such methods include dry, wet, condensation, and biological treatment. The biopurification method was selected for its efficacy and optimal performance. (Results and discussion) As a technical solution, a sequential gas-air emission purification process was developed using biofilters equipped with a polymer carrier and organic substrates as fillers. The system is equipped with digital sensors for monitoring and controlling the operational workflow. A special feature of the proposed system design is the use of replaceable filter cartridges and an active irrigation system. (Conclusions) The research helped to identify main types, parameters and methods for purifying emissions of climate-active gases with a focus on ammonia. Emission purification with a digital workflow control system is carried out sequentially in a shell-and-tube condenser and a biofilter. The specific cooling surface is 1.09∙10^–3 square meters per 1 cubic meter, the specifi c refrigerant consumption is 0.7 liters per 1 cubic meter. Optimal biofilter performance was attained at the temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, with 45-55 percent humidity, active acidity of 8-8.4 units, and residence time of 15-30 seconds in the filter layer. These conditions ensure a high degree of ammonia purification and long-term biofilter operation.