Our paper presents the system for multi-criteria evaluation of energy crops for biogas production. First, a deterministic simulation system consists of deterministic production simulation models was built. Simulation model resultswere further evaluated using a qualitative multi-attribute modeling methodology DEX (suported by software tool DEX-i). Analysis showed that by using the current model the most relevant alternative crop biogas production is maize. Maize results in the best DEX-i multicriteria evaluation appropriate. The best alternatives for maize are sorghum, sunflower and sugar beet, with multicriteria evaluating being less appropriate.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3319852
This research demonstrates the basic elements of a prototype automated orchard sprayer which delivers pesticide spray selectively with respect to the characteristics of the targets. The density of an apple tree canopy was detected by PROWAVE 400EP250 ultrasound sensors controlled by a Cypress PSOC CY8C29466 microcontroller. The ultrasound signal was processed with an embedded computer built around a LPC1343 microcontroller and fed in real time to electro-magnetic valves which open/close spraying nozzles in relation to the canopy structure. The analysis focuses on the detection of appropriate thresholds on 15 cm ultrasound bands, which correspond to maximal response to tree density, and this was selected for accurate spraying guidance. Evaluationof the system was performed in an apple orchard by detecting deposits of tartrazine dye (TD) on apple leaves. The employment of programmable microcontrollers and electro-magnetic valves decreased the amountof spray delivered by up to 48.15%. In contrast, the reduction of TD wasonly up to 37.7% at some positions within the tree crown and 65.1% in the gaps between trees. For all these reasons, this concept of precise orchard spraying can contribute to a reduction of costs and environmental pollution, while obtaining similar or even better leaf deposits.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3424812
The research aims to demonstrate the basic system elements of a prototype automated orchard sprayer, which can deliver pesticide spray selectively withrespect to the characteristics of the targets. The contour of the apple tree canopy was detected by ultra sound sensors Prowave 400EP14D and appropriate electronics. Ultra sound signal was processed by a personal computer and fed in real-time to spraying nozzles which open and close in relation to the canopy structure. The current project focuses on developing the system components for spraying an individual tree. The evaluation was performed in field experiments by detecting deposits on leaves and water sensitive papers (WSP). The demonstrated concept of precise application of pesticide sprays supports a decrease in the amount of delivered spray, thereby reducing both costs and environmental pollution by plant protection products.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3184172
This paper describes a computer vision based model for object detection that can serve as a preliminary step in fruit prognosis, which involves the estimation of the number, diameter and yield of apple fruits. In order to overcome the recognition unreliability in uncontrolled environments caused by uneven illumination conditions, partly occluded surfaces, and similar background features, we rely on a combination of the objectćs colour, texture and 3D shape properties. In our research, we apply colour segmentation to multiple scene snapshots to separate potential regions from the background andverify them first with texture analysis and second by reconstructing them to 3D space. By analysing all three distinct features (colour, texture and 3D shape) of possible areas, we can safely conclude if they represent fruits we are looking for. Once we detect and verify all areas representing fruits, we can measure their size and model estimated fruit yield.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3078700
A field test was performed to compare the presowing soil cultivation formely and today. Three agricultural implements (soil preparation machine, disk harowand circular self-cleaning harow) were used in four repetitions. The testwas aimed at proving that time and fuel and, consequntly, money can saved,if new agricultural machinery is used. The surface area of the field was 19530 m2 and it eas divided into twlve plots od 1627,5 m2 each. Statistical data processing showed that the most economical implement was the circular self-cleaning harrow.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3306028