Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Spatial Depth Measurement System for Subsoiler in Sugarcane Fields
Journal Title: Journal of Agricultural Machinery - Year 2025, Vol 15, Issue 2
Abstract
IntroductionSubsoiling is a critical tillage operation for many crops, particularly sugarcane, due to the impact of agricultural machinery traffic and its significance in managing heavy-textured and compacted soils. Given the extensive size of sugarcane fields and the time-intensive nature of subsoiling operations, the application of intelligent control techniques for monitoring and managing these processes is of considerable importance. Currently, subsoiling operations are monitored using manual gauges. This approach involves collecting a limited number of samples per hectare, typically after the operation is completed, which makes it nearly impossible to implement real-time corrections. To address this limitation, the development and implementation of a depth measurement system offer a promising solution. Such a system enables real-time observation of working depth by both the operator, via an on-screen display, and by a remote observer through an online platform. This capability allows for immediate adjustments during the operation, ensuring greater precision and efficiency. Furthermore, by integrating recorded depth data with geospatial information, it becomes possible to generate detailed maps illustrating depth variations across the field. These maps can serve as valuable tools for further evaluations, such as performance monitoring in areas where subsoiling depth deviates from the desired range, either being too shallow or excessively deep. This technological advancement has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of subsoiling operations in modern agricultural practices.Materials and MethodsThis study focused on the design, development, and evaluation of a depth measurement system for a subsoiler attached to a track-type tractor, specifically tailored for sugarcane fields. The system not only provided real-time depth display but also recorded the location and transmitted it online. The research employed three distinct depth measurement techniques and was conducted using a randomized complete block design with split plots. The main plots are the three depth measurement techniques: based on the angles of the driving profiles of the subsoiler shanks (T1), the laser distance measurement method (T2), and the ultrasonic distance measurement method (T3), and sub-plots are depth ranges at three levels: 0-30 cm (R1: surface range), 30-60 cm (R2: mid-range), and 60-90 cm (R3: deep range). Initially, we calculated the absolute difference between the depths recorded by the system and those measured manually with a rod at each location. Following this, we analyzed key statistical indicators, including the average, standard deviation, and the minimum and maximum of errors, for comparison.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the depth measurement error was significantly influenced by the technique employed. The angle technique yielded the lowest average error of 1.91 cm, while the ultrasonic technique resulted in the highest average error of 3.83 cm. Across all depth ranges, statistical indicators for depth error were significant. Specifically, within these ranges, the deep range exhibited an average depth error of 2.33 cm, and the surface range had an average error of 3.65 cm. Statistical analysis revealed that only indices related to minimum and maximum errors for interactions between factors were significant. The lowest minimum error value (0.05 cm) was observed with the angle technique at deeper depths, whereas the highest minimum error (0.34 cm) occurred with ultrasonic measurements at shallower depths on surfaces. Similarly, maximum errors followed this trend: The lowest maximum error (3.21 cm) was associated with angle measurements at deeper depths, while ultrasonic measurements on surfaces yielded a higher maximum error (8.63 cm). Both laser and ultrasonic techniques consistently demonstrated greater errors across all three depth ranges compared to angle-based methods. This discrepancy may be attributed to inaccuracies inherent in rangefinders when their beams encounter obstacles like clods or pits during field operations. Notably, as working depths increased across all measurement techniques, errors in depth measurement decreased significantly due to reduced vibrations from subsoiler devices at greater depths, thereby minimizing vibration-related inaccuracies.ConclusionThe results indicate that the depth measurement technique based on the angles of the driving profiles of subsoiler shanks exhibits superior accuracy in determining the working depth of subsoilers mounted on tractors, particularly during sugarcane field operations. The laser distance meter technique ranked second in terms of accuracy, while the ultrasonic distance meter method demonstrated the least precision. Notably, as working depths increased, reduced vibrations during operation were observed, leading to enhanced accuracy in depth calculations across all techniques. This improvement is attributed to decreased mechanical disturbances at greater depths. Overall, measurements within deeper ranges achieved higher levels of accuracy compared to those at shallower surface ranges. This trend suggests that operational conditions and device stability play significant roles in optimizing measurement accuracy.
Authors and Affiliations
N. Loveimi,A. Azizi,A. Kaab,A. Neisi,
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP767882
- DOI https://doi.org/10.22067/jam.2024.87809.1242
- Views 6
- Downloads 0
Study of Primary Tillage Timeliness Cost for Irrigated Wheat in Fars Province Using System Dynamics
Delay in irrigated wheat primary tillage operations causes yield reduction and hidden timeliness cost in Fars province. Mechanization of primary tillage operations for irrigated wheat in Fars province was simulated using...
Locating Advisory and Agricultural Engineering Service Network using Set Covering Model
Introduction In this research, a part of the requirements for the establishment of a network of consultancy, agricultural engineering and technical services in the agricultural sector, which is related to the location of...
Using of dimensional analysis to determine the parameters of gravity separator table device to minimize impurities in bulk lentils
Introduction Lentil (Lens culinaris medic) is an important and highly nutritious crop belonging to the family of legumes. Lentil is cultivated worldwide but competition with weeds is a problem affecting production and ca...
Predicting Whole-body Vibration-based on Linear Regression Models and Determining Permissible Exposure Time of Tractor Operator
IntroductionThe permissible exposure time to vibration for the operator is one of the key factors in maintaining the operator's health while optimizing machinery and equipment. The tractor studied was the ITM475, manufac...
Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer in a Refractance Window Dryer for Aloe vera gel
IntroductionDrying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. To increase the efficiency of heat and mass transfer while maintaining product quality, the study of the drying process is crucial scientifically and...