Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Bamdad; M. Zangeneh; S. H. Payman
Abstract
IntroductionThe cooperative system for agricultural mechanization services holds significant potential to boost agricultural production. Key benefits include providing services during crop cultivation to reduce labor demands, delivering centralized and specialized services to lower production costs, ...
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IntroductionThe cooperative system for agricultural mechanization services holds significant potential to boost agricultural production. Key benefits include providing services during crop cultivation to reduce labor demands, delivering centralized and specialized services to lower production costs, facilitating the adoption of new technologies, and improving productivity in agricultural processes and supply chains. However, in Gilan Province, Iran, over 198 of the 260 registered mechanization service cooperatives, approximately 76%, are currently inactive. This significant decline highlights an urgent need to assess the performance of the mechanization service system to ensure its sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main challenges underlying the inactivity of these cooperatives in Gilan Province.Materials and MethodsThis study aims to evaluate the performance of mechanization service cooperatives in Gilan Province. To achieve this objective, a combined methodology incorporating Delphi methods, hierarchical analysis process, and the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis was employed. Initially, factors influencing the performance of agricultural service cooperatives were identified through a review of existing literature concerning the performance pathology of agricultural cooperatives, as well as the specific factors impacting mechanization cooperatives and the associated challenges they face. The Delphi method was utilized to align the identified factors with the operational conditions of agricultural mechanization service cooperatives in Gilan Province. The Delphi process was conducted over three rounds, culminating in the identification and prioritization of the primary factors. Subsequently, the SWOT matrix was applied to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the mechanization service cooperatives, with input from a panel of experts for ranking purposes. Ultimately, strategies to address the performance challenges were developed based on the SWOT results and prioritized using AHP.Results and DiscussionThe findings of this research indicate that the lack of capital in the cooperative company, coupled with financial and credit difficulties, insufficient tools and equipment needed for generating income for members, stringent bank policies regarding the provision of financial aid, and the presence of discrepancies in the selection of cooperative members constitute the primary obstacles faced by these companies. The most important recommended strategies are as follows: Leverage internal investment from cooperative members. Attract capital from entrepreneurs. Organize tours to visit successful cooperatives for information exchange and learning. Reduce service fees. Increase access to financial assistance. Lower guarantee requirements for newly established cooperatives and entrepreneurs seeking financial supportConclusionIn this study, a comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to identify the challenges affecting cooperative performance. These challenges were categorized into six main groups: financial, operational, organizational, structural, social, and environmental. The Delphi method, involving a panel of nine field experts, was used to evaluate these issues. Additionally, a SWOT analysis, based on previous research, was carried out to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to cooperatives. To determine the relative importance of each challenge, a hierarchical analysis was performed to rank them accordingly.The results revealed that the most pressing challenges are primarily financial or have a significant financial impact on cooperative operations. Key issues include strict bank loan requirements, internal financial and credit difficulties, limited capital resources, and a lack of necessary tools and equipment to generate income for members. Moreover, the member selection process was identified as a critical concern, as it can lead to reduced motivation and inadequate fulfillment of responsibilities among cooperative members.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
T. T. Truong; J. Selassie Nortey; T. H. Nguyen
Abstract
As a growing global concern, water and climate changes have had a notable influence on agriculture. The main factor of this issue is food security, particularly in terms of food production and food pricing. This study investigates how climate change affects food security in Vietnam and Ghana, where agriculture ...
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As a growing global concern, water and climate changes have had a notable influence on agriculture. The main factor of this issue is food security, particularly in terms of food production and food pricing. This study investigates how climate change affects food security in Vietnam and Ghana, where agriculture is essential to socio-economic growth. The main study methodologies include ethnographic techniques and in-depth interviews with 50 farmers in each nation; 100 farmers in total. Results show that agricultural production and farmer health in these areas are highly vulnerable to increasing temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns. Vietnamese farmers mainly face flooding, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion, which endangers rice production, whereas Ghanaian farmers are more susceptible to droughts, which limit the amount of water available for rain-fed agriculture. Food security necessitates a change to alternate, robust crop types and improvements in agricultural technologies to counter these risks. The study highlights the need for adaptive measures such as enhanced irrigation systems, drought-resistant seeds, and early-warning systems for severe weather. These insights can help governments, agricultural stakeholders, and consumers develop policies and practices that improve food quality and stability, supporting sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. ALmoosa; S. Al-Atab; S. Almaliki
Abstract
Soil properties play a fundamental role in the success of agricultural operations through their impact on crop growth and quality, as they determine their ability to retain water and absorb nutrients, and affect soil aeration and the root system. The aim of this study is to predict bulk density and resistance ...
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Soil properties play a fundamental role in the success of agricultural operations through their impact on crop growth and quality, as they determine their ability to retain water and absorb nutrients, and affect soil aeration and the root system. The aim of this study is to predict bulk density and resistance to soil penetration under different moisture levels during tillage operations. It includes four moisture levels: 7, 14, 22, and 28%, and three types of plows: the moldboard plow, chisel plow, and disc plow. Moreover, soil samples were collected at two depths: 15 cm and 30 cm. The change in the physical properties of the studied soil is also measured during the growth periods of wheat crop (after tillage, beginning of the season and end of the season). The study is conducted in Al-Qurna district, north of Basra Governorate, Iraq, in clay loam soil. The results are analyzed and mathematical equations are obtained to predict the studied properties using the response surface methodology. The obtained results indicate that soil moisture during plowing, plow type, soil depth, and crop growth periods have a significant effect on soil bulk density and penetration resistance. The 14% moisture treatment is superior, recording the lowest bulk density and lowest penetration resistance of 1.12 Mg m-3 and 1133 kN m-2, respectively. While the 28% moisture treatment provided the highest bulk density and highest penetration resistance of 1.22 Mg m-3 and 1379 kN m-2, respectively. The results also show that increasing the soil depth from 15 to 30 cm increases the bulk density and soil penetration resistance, by 12 and 45.70%, respectively. Plowing with a disc plow improves soil properties, giving the lowest bulk density and penetration resistance of 1.12 Mg m-3 and 1074 kN m-2, respectively. While using the chisel plow leads to recording the highest bulk density and penetration resistance, which reached 1.22 Mg m-3 and 1442 kN m-2, respectively. As for the moldboard plow, the bulk density and soil penetration resistance reached 1.18 Mg m-3 and 1282 kN m-2, respectively. The growth periods have a significant effect on the studied soil properties where the beginning of the growing season provided the lowest bulk density. The bulk density reached 1.17, 1.13, and 1.23 Mg m-3 for the periods after plowing, at the beginning of the season and its end, respectively. While the penetration resistance after plowing is superior with the lowest resistance compared to the beginning of the season and its end, as it reached 897, 1327, and 1573 kN m-2, respectively. The results of data analysis show that the obtained mathematical models accurately and efficiently predict bulk density and soil resistance to penetration under the experimental conditions, with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.6460 and 0.8114 for the bulk density and penetration resistance, respectively.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
B. Mohammadi; A. R. Yousefi; M. Namdari; M. Heydari
Abstract
This study evaluates the energy consumption and economic performance of three different weed control methods employed in olive orchards in Tarom County, Zanjan Province, Iran, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture. The objective is to assess the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different ...
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This study evaluates the energy consumption and economic performance of three different weed control methods employed in olive orchards in Tarom County, Zanjan Province, Iran, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture. The objective is to assess the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of different weed management systems. The analysis includes chemical weed control (System I), mechanical control (System II), and integrated weed management (System III). Data were collected through interviews with 50 olive farmers, supplemented by official agricultural records. Results show that total energy consumption was highest in System III (93,069.16 MJ ha-1), and lowest in System I (64,297.16 MJ ha-1). System I also demonstrated superior energy efficiency (0.74), output energy (47,648.40 MJ ha-1), and energy productivity (0.06 kg MJ-1), making it the most viable option for optimizing energy consumption. Economically, System I generated the highest net profit (4,662.28 $ ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.66), outperforming Systems II (3,073.31 $ ha-1; BCR: 2.16) and III (2,953.57 $ ha-1; BCR: 1.97). The study concludes that System I, with its efficient use of renewable energy, is the most viable option in terms of both energy and economic performance, providing a balance between low energy input and high yield, thus maximizing profits and minimizing production costs. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate weed control methods to optimize energy use and reduce overall production costs in olive cultivation.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. K. Alano; V. Ogaya; E. Arboleda
Abstract
This research focused on creating an IoT-enabled color-sorting machine for Robusta coffee cherries, utilizing image processing as an effective alternative to manual sorting. The system tackles a significant issue with the strip-picking harvesting method, which gathers cherries at different ripeness levels, ...
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This research focused on creating an IoT-enabled color-sorting machine for Robusta coffee cherries, utilizing image processing as an effective alternative to manual sorting. The system tackles a significant issue with the strip-picking harvesting method, which gathers cherries at different ripeness levels, negatively affecting coffee quality. The machine sorts cherries by ripeness—red for ripe, green for unripe, and black for overripe—using a detection model trained through image processing and implemented on a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. The performance was assessed based on sorting speed and classification accuracy. The detection model successfully identified 277 out of 300 cherries, resulting in an overall classification accuracy of 92.33% and a mean precision of 92.55%. In practical tests with 100 cherries over 10 trials, the machine achieved an average sorting accuracy of 86.83% and a mean sorting time of 21 minutes and 33 seconds. When compared to a previously developed coffee bean sorter, the new device showed improved accuracy and faster processing speed.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. M. Naserian; R. Khodabakhshian
Abstract
The buildings and the agri-food sectors nearly consume 40% and 21% of the world's total energy, respectively. This research aims to combine these two significant energy-consuming sectors to decrease the total society’s energy consumption. For this purpose, a novel small-scale building integrated ...
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The buildings and the agri-food sectors nearly consume 40% and 21% of the world's total energy, respectively. This research aims to combine these two significant energy-consuming sectors to decrease the total society’s energy consumption. For this purpose, a novel small-scale building integrated agriculture system was designed and constructed. In this research, the total energy and water consumption, annual CO2 production, and the total cost of employing the novel system were analyzed from the building residents’ and social points of view. Moreover, the results were compared with the total results of a building and a separate standard greenhouse with the same product. The results show that the total energy reduction because of using the novel system was 31.2%. According to the results, the novel system will cause approximately 3400 kgCO2 emission reduction over a life cycle of 20 years. Moreover, yearly water consumption reduction was 19.2 L kg-1 of lettuce production. The payback period was approximately 5 years based on the cost analysis results comprising investment, operational, and social costs. Sensitivity and Scenarios analyses were conducted to better understand the effect of probable influential parameters and make the investment for the novel system secure and attractive.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Bamdad; M. Zangeneh; S. H. Payman
Abstract
Agricultural cooperatives (ACs) play a vital role in the global agricultural sector, yet their success in food production and supply varies significantly across countries. This study presents a comprehensive review of existing literature on ACs using the PRISMA methodology and proposes a methodological ...
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Agricultural cooperatives (ACs) play a vital role in the global agricultural sector, yet their success in food production and supply varies significantly across countries. This study presents a comprehensive review of existing literature on ACs using the PRISMA methodology and proposes a methodological framework to guide future research. Each selected study was analyzed based on four key dimensions: purpose, methodology, factors examined, and key findings. These variables were then categorized to enable a more robust comparative analysis. The review highlights that the success of ACs is driven by effective management, strong marketing strategies, and a dedicated workforce. Education emerges as a critical factor, irrespective of age or gender. However, strategies for success differ among cooperatives, underscoring the need for context-specific research to accurately assess the status and needs of ACs in various regions.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Zangeneh; E. Godini
Abstract
IntroductionIn recent years, the lack of adequate regional assessment and classification has led to unequal investments and policies, resulting in polarization and disparities in the development of agricultural units. However, since agricultural products are produced, distributed, and consumed nationwide, ...
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IntroductionIn recent years, the lack of adequate regional assessment and classification has led to unequal investments and policies, resulting in polarization and disparities in the development of agricultural units. However, since agricultural products are produced, distributed, and consumed nationwide, analyzing production conditions across different agricultural systems can provide valuable insights for supply chain managers. A comprehensive evaluation of production system development across the country can enhance product quality, stabilize the supply chain, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency and performance. These improvements are vital for advancing the agricultural sector and strengthening national competitiveness. In many regions, agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, making regional equity and balanced development essential for sustainable agricultural growth.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the development levels of different provinces of the country in the field of edible mushroom cultivation. The approach of this research is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population includes 31 provinces of Iran, and the required data are based on the results of the 2016 and 2021 censuses of the Statistical Center of Iran. Following the initial review, indicators that emphasize the aspects of human power, infrastructure, performance, waste, economy, and energy were collected. Weight estimation of indicators was done using Shannon's entropy method. The TOPSIS method was used to assess and rank the provinces based on their level of development within the mushroom cultivation industry. The ranking operation was done using eight different index groups: infrastructure, consumption of inputs, value of consumption inputs, types of products and waste, value of payment types, value of product categories, value of energy consumption, and the number of employees and payments to them.Results and DiscussionResults show that in 2016, the provinces were classified into three levels: relatively deprived of development, medium development, and relatively developed. Apart from Alborz province, which was placed at a relatively developed level, other provinces were placed at lower levels. By 2021, all provinces had made significant progress compared to 2016, elevating their development status so that none were classified as relatively deprived. Furthermore, the number of provinces categorized as relatively privileged surged from just one in 2016 to eight by 2021. The findings revealed that the smaller, non-industrialized provinces exhibited greater development compared to their larger, industrialized counterparts.ConclusionThe results showed that Alborz province had the highest level of development, and Semnan province had the lowest level of development of this industry in the country. The level of development and ranking of edible mushroom cultivation units in the provinces was obtained by using different categories of indicators and the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method. To enhance the production and productivity of cultivated edible mushrooms, it is essential to advance cultivation techniques and technologies through the expansion of research initiatives, educational programs, and extension activities.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
R. J. Arendela; R. A. Ebora; E. Arboleda; J. L. M. Ramos; M. Bono; D. Dimero
Abstract
The IoT monitoring system for stingless bee colonies aims to provide real-time information about temperature, humidity, and hive weight in response to the issue of colony collapse disorder (CCD) caused by human intervention in beekeeping. It also aims to improve the current monitoring methods for the ...
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The IoT monitoring system for stingless bee colonies aims to provide real-time information about temperature, humidity, and hive weight in response to the issue of colony collapse disorder (CCD) caused by human intervention in beekeeping. It also aims to improve the current monitoring methods for the bees more effectively and efficiently. The monitoring system features a water-cooling control system to maintain an optimal temperature for Tetragonula Biroi (Stingless Bees). The system also includes a user dashboard for remote monitoring and alerts the beekeeper when it is time to harvest. It’s primarily built around the ESP8266-MOD microcontroller, with an Arduino Mega 2560 R3 for the water valve control system. Data were collected from a DHT22 sensor for temperature and humidity, and load cells connected to an HX711 amplifier for hive weight. The system was tested by comparing samples from the system and actual measuring instruments using MAPE for two months, and it demonstrated 98.74% and 97.89% accuracy for surrounding temperature and humidity, respectively. An accuracy of 95.92% for the weight scale and 93% for the water valve control system was also obtained. Hives equipped with the IoT system gained 3.414% more weight than those without it, indicating that the project succeeded in achieving its objectives.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Zangeneh
Abstract
The main objective of this research is to create a comprehensive and adaptable framework for assessing performance in agricultural supply chains and develop two improving approaches. The most relevant performance measures are selected to assess the current status of services in agricultural supply chains ...
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The main objective of this research is to create a comprehensive and adaptable framework for assessing performance in agricultural supply chains and develop two improving approaches. The most relevant performance measures are selected to assess the current status of services in agricultural supply chains (ASCs). The contribution of this research is related to the selection of key performance indicators (KPIs) and approaches for enhancing ASC performance. The proposed framework comprises performance measurement and a service selection process. Two approaches have been developed based on the selected KPIs of services in ASC to identify which services require improvement. The proposed approaches are robust and versatile tools for agricultural managers to strategize and enhance their supply chains. A case study is also presented from Iran. For this region, selection approaches prioritize agricultural services such as postproduction consulting, financial support, mechanization, business consulting, and input supply. The framework shows that these services should be improved in order to better meet the needs of the region under study.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
L. Behrooznia; M. Khojastehpour; H. Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha
Abstract
IntroductionPomegranate has gained global popularity due to its high vitamin content and antioxidant properties, attracting fans worldwide. The processing of pomegranate into various products, including pomegranate juice, has become a thriving industry. However, this processing requires significant energy ...
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IntroductionPomegranate has gained global popularity due to its high vitamin content and antioxidant properties, attracting fans worldwide. The processing of pomegranate into various products, including pomegranate juice, has become a thriving industry. However, this processing requires significant energy and chemicals—most of which are derived from fossil fuels. The combustion of these fuels releases harmful gases, contributing to global warming, environmental damage, and health risks. The costs tied to these environmental burdens are often overlooked, neglecting the principles of environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is vital to assess the monetary value of the environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of pomegranate juice production. This research aims to investigate the costs imposed on society, including the social costs of carbon emissions, damage costs from air pollution, and costs associated with environmental prevention measures related to processing pomegranate juice. Feel free to ask for further changes or adjustments.Materials and MethodsThis study focuses on assessing the environmental impact and associated costs generated during the processing of pomegranate juice in Mashhad, Iran, from 2022 to 2023. The research examines the case study of Saman Bazar Razavi Co. to conduct an environmental impact cost assessment. The study begins by evaluating the environmental impacts associated with the pomegranate juice production process using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The costs related to these impacts are then estimated by multiplying the impact amounts with predetermined monetary coefficients. The study adopts a system boundary that extends from the arrival of the fruit at the factory to the departure of the packaged juice, defining a 160g pack of pomegranate juice as the functional unit (FU). SimaPro software, version 9, is utilized for analyzing the environmental impacts. The evaluation of environmental impact costs encompasses three categories: social costs of carbon emissions, damage costs from air pollution, and costs for environmental prevention measures. Carbon dioxide emissions are considered to assess social costs, while five other gases—nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia vapor—are included in investigating air pollution damage costs. Furthermore, the calculation of environmental prevention costs takes into account seven impact categories: global warming, photochemical oxidation, respiratory inorganic effects, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and acidification.Results and DiscussionHere’s the edited text with corrections marked: The investigation reveals that the production of pomegranate juice emits approximately 0.12 kg CO2 eq of carbon, with a social cost of $0.0062 per functional unit. The primary contributors to carbon emissions are natural gas and electricity. Furthermore, the evaluation of air-polluting gases indicates a total cost of $0.021 for air pollution damage. Among the five considered gases, ammonia vapor, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides incur the highest damage costs. The assessment of environmental prevention costs demonstrates a total calculated cost of $0.026, with the impact categories of global warming and acidification making the most substantial contributions of 59% and 28%, respectively. This finding suggests that the majority of costs for preventing damage in pomegranate juice production should be focused on mitigating the effects of global warming. The consumption of natural gas and electricity during the pomegranate juice production process is the main source of carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. Additionally, in terms of acidification, the contributions of pomegranate, electricity, apple, natural gas, and sugar are noteworthy. Based on these findings, it is evident that the resources used in pomegranate juice processing, derived from fossil fuels, have the most significant impact on environmental damage. Therefore, one practical method to prevent the creation of these pollutants is the utilization of alternative bioproducts produced from biomass. Considering the substantial amount of pomegranate waste generated after juice processing,which is often not utilized; these wastes can be effectively employed to produce bioenergy, such as biogas. This approach not only prevents waste disposal but also offers economic and environmental benefits.ConclusionThis article provides an overview of the environmental impacts and associated costs of pomegranate juice production in Mashhad. Using the life cycle assessment approach, the study calculates the environmental impacts per functional unit (a 160g juice pack) and estimates the corresponding costs. The results indicate that the social cost of carbon emissions, the total damage costs of air pollution, and the total environmental prevention costs per functional unit are $0.0062, $0.021, and $0.026, respectively. These costs should be allocated to mitigating the environmental damage caused by pomegranate juice production in the region.AcknowledgmentsThe authors express their gratitude to Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for funding this research (Grant No. 54189).
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Zangeneh; M. Rouhi Farajabad
Abstract
Introduction To successfully provide and distribute agricultural services throughout the supply chain and enhance efficiency in this sector, selecting the right locations for service centers is a crucial and complex challenge. One of the ways to develop rice mechanization infrastructure is to establish ...
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Introduction To successfully provide and distribute agricultural services throughout the supply chain and enhance efficiency in this sector, selecting the right locations for service centers is a crucial and complex challenge. One of the ways to develop rice mechanization infrastructure is to establish rice seedling banks. A rice seedling bank is a specialized facility dedicated to the large-scale industrial production of rice seedlings, utilizing seedling trays to optimiz space, resources, and labor. The primary aim of this research is to identify the most suitable location for establishing a rice seed bank by employing multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods.Materials and MethodsThe present research was conducted in Fuman County, Guilan Province, Iran. The main objective of identifying a location for the seedling bank in the studied area is to minimize transportation costs for the seedling trays while selecting a site with the greatest potential for successfully establishing the seedling bank. To achieve this, we analyzed the location criteria for the seedling bank at the district level during the early stages of the research. The selection criteria for identifying a suitable district include several factors, such as the number of farmers, land leveling, area under cultivation, the number of agricultural machines, the level of mechanized transplanting and harvesting, and the number of seed banks in each district. Subsequently, the best village in the district, chosen in the prior step, was evaluated using several key criteria: total cultivated area, number of farmers, cultivated area per farmer, and total distance from other villages within the district. Shannon's entropy method was employed to estimate the weight and rank for the location criteria in both stages. The districts were ranked using the Fuzzy VIKOR method, while the TOPSIS method was used to prioritize villages within the selected district.Results and DiscussionAccording to the results of the Fuzzy VIKOR method, among the five studied districts in Fuman County, Lulaman rural district stands out as the best location for establishing a seedling bank. Furthermore, based on the results obtained from the TOPSIS method, Khoshknudhan-e Bala village is identified as the most favorable site for establishing a seedling bank within the Lulaman district, among the fifteen alternatives considered. The VIKOR model excels in ranking alternatives due to its ability to generate ideal positive and negative maps, making it particularly well-suited for location and spatial analysis. By utilizing this model, we can assess not only the locations themselves but also evaluate how each alternative measures up against both positive and negative ideals. In contrast, other models lack this capability, as they merely identify the optimal location without providing a comprehensive understanding of each alternative's standing.ConclusionThe purpose of this research is to provide a suitable algorithm for locating a seedling bank in Fuman County. Given the numerous influencing factors and available options, the integration of the VIKOR MCDM model with fuzzy numbers to identify the most suitable district, followed by the TOPSIS MCDM model to determine the best village, yielded promising results. The findings indicate that several factors play a crucial role in identifying the optimal location for the seedling bank. However, integrating all these elements through traditional methods—such as manual map analysis—proves impractical due to the sheer volume of data involved. Furthermore, neglecting these factors in site selection leads to substantial waste of material resources, energy, and environmental resources. Overall, the results of the Fuzzy VIKOR analysis revealed that Khoshknudhan-e Bala village in the Lulaman district is the best option for establishing a seedling bank in Fuman County.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Zangeneh; N. Banaeian
Abstract
IntroductionAgricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing ...
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IntroductionAgricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing operational expenses in agricultural mechanization. This is imperative for the advancement of agricultural mechanization. The present research aims to identify the primary structures of the supply chain for rice agricultural machinery in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran. The study also examined the important functional aspects of the chain members, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and farmers who serve as the ultimate consumers of the chain's products. Furthermore, the research delved into the processes that govern the supply chain.Materials and MethodsMeasuring supply chain performance involves utilizing the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) with five distinct dimensions: cost (12 questions), responsiveness (22 questions), flexibility (16 questions), assets (13 questions), and reliability (30 questions). The study data were analyzed using SPSS software. Additionally, latent variables were generated at each level of the hierarchy by using the variables from the aforementioned model. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The evaluation of normal variables was conducted through a one-sample t-test, while abnormal variables were evaluated with a one-sample Wilcoxon test. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the expectations and constraints of manufacturers and importers regarding rice machines was carried out.Results and DiscussionThe Wilcoxon test results indicate the impact of commitment, cost management, and communication on the average test value. The variables of normal distribution such as human resource management, quality management, strategic organization, flexibility, responsiveness, performance, and reliability in stores, exhibit significant deviation from the mean value. The majority of store managers and agricultural rice machinery dealers lack formal education in the field of agricultural machinery. Including individuals with educational backgrounds in agricultural machinery at various stages of the supply chain will likely improve the dissemination of information throughout the chain. Employing dependable techniques for transmitting accurate information regarding consumers' quality requirements can assist suppliers in manufacturing or importing superior-quality machinery. This approach not only minimizes uncertainty in the supply chain and streamlines inventory management but also reduces the lead time for meeting consumer demands.ConclusionThe continuous demand for rice agricultural machinery in Iran has resulted in the bullwhip effect phenomenon being perceived as a less significant challenge in the supply chain. Currently, local manufacturing enterprises have relatively limited knowledge regarding the market and technical needs of rice farmers compared to their foreign counterparts. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to broaden their comprehension of consumer behavior and needs by diversifying their market evaluation techniques.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
Zh. Seifi laleh; H. Samimi Akhijahani; P. Salami
Abstract
IntroductionWith increasing the world's population, the demand for supply water resources is also increasing. Nevertheless, climate change has severely impacted the accessibility of fresh water resources. Consequently, researchers have been focusing on producing drinkable water from seas and oceans. ...
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IntroductionWith increasing the world's population, the demand for supply water resources is also increasing. Nevertheless, climate change has severely impacted the accessibility of fresh water resources. Consequently, researchers have been focusing on producing drinkable water from seas and oceans. Iran, with its significant levels of solar radiation and access to open water from the north and south, is an ideal country for fresh water production. Using solar water desalination systems is a reliable and cost-effective solution for producing drinking water from salt water sources. The purpose of this research is to enhance the performance of the solar water desalination system by using the latent heat storage system and a solar tracking system. In this experimental setup for fresh water production, water was used as the working fluid, while a parabolic collector functioned as the source of thermal energy.Materials and MethodsThe solar water desalination system was designed and built on a laboratory scale at the University of Kurdistan, and then the necessary experiments were carried out. The flowing fluid (water) inside the spiral tube in the tank is pumped into the absorber tube of the parabolic collector. Inside the receiver tube, there is a spiral copper tube with a 7 cm pitch, which contains paraffin. The parabolic mirror reflects the sunlight onto the receiver tube, causing the working fluid, water, to heat up. The cooling process is achieved using a specific source located in the upper section of the distillation tank. In this case, the steam droplets in the tank hit the bottom surface of this cooling tank, which has the shape of an inverted funnel, leading to condensation. The study was conducted over four consecutive days, from 10:00 to 14:00, under identical conditions from August 24th to August 27th, 2022. It took place at the Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Kurdistan in Sanandaj, Iran, and was conducted for three different volume flow rates of fluid: 1.9, 3.1, and 4.2 l.min-1 with phase change materials (PCM) and 4.2 l.min-1 without phase change materials (WOPCM); the pump’s maximum flow rate was 4.2 l.min-1. Variations of outlet temperature, thermal efficiency, desalination efficiency, and produced water were investigated under different conditions.Results and DiscussionThe results reveal that by decreasing the pitch of the spiral tube, there is an increase in the amount of heat captured, due to the increase in the Nusselt number. At the beginning of data collection, a significant amount of the energy that enters the receiver tube is absorbed by both the phase change material and the spiral tube inside the receiver and as a result, the initial air temperature is lowered. The highest temperature of salt water occurs when the fluid is flowing at a rate of 4.2 l.min-1, while the lowest temperature is observed at a flow rate of 1.9 l.min-1. With a flow rate of 4.2 l.min-1, the absorbent tube rapidly transfers the absorbed heat to the salt water chamber through the fluid. The input energy to the tank has increased from 1.53 to 2.83, 1.14 to 2.18, and 0.73 to 1.48 MJ for fluid flow rates of 4.2, 3.1, and 1.9 l.min-1, respectively. At a flow rate of 4.2 l.min-1, the thermal efficiency of the system without phase change materials (3.51%) is lower compared to the case with phase change materials (5.02%). Moreover, using a solar tracking mechanism increased the thermal efficiency of the collector by 9.86% compared to the system using a photocell sensor. Based on the water quality values, it can be stated that the level of dissolved solids in the water sample has been significantly decreased. This indicates that the water can be used for drinking.ConclusionIn this research, the process of thermal changes in a solar water desalination system using PCM was investigated. The obtained results demonstrate that the use of PCM improved the thermal efficiency of the collector and the water obtained from the current system is safe for consumption. Furthermore, by implementing a solar panel tracking system, the efficiency of the solar collector is improved.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
R. Fathi; M. Ghasemi-Nejad Raeini; R. Hesampour
Abstract
Introduction: Environmental crises and resource depletion have adversely affected environmental resources and food security in the world. Therefore, with the global population growth in the coming years and the rising need to produce more food, attention must be given to environmental issues, energy ...
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Introduction: Environmental crises and resource depletion have adversely affected environmental resources and food security in the world. Therefore, with the global population growth in the coming years and the rising need to produce more food, attention must be given to environmental issues, energy consumption, and sustainable production. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern of energy consumption, environmental impacts, and optimization of the studied energy indicators in dairy cattle breeding industrial units in Khuzestan province, Iran.Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in Khuzestan province, located in the southwest of Iran. Energy indicators including energy ratio, energy efficiency, specific energy, and net energy were used to determine and analyze the relationships between the output and input energy. Additionally, the life cycle assessment methodology was used to assess the environmental impact. Life cycle assessment includes a goal statement, identification of inputs and outputs, and a system for assessing and interpreting environmental impacts, and can be a good indicator for assessing environmental issues related to production. The life cycle assessment method used in this study was CML-IA baseline V3.05, which includes the four steps of (1) selecting and classifying impact categories, (2) characterizing effects, (3) normalizing, and (4) weighting. Overall, 11 impact groups were studied. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method with the Anderson-Peterson model was used for optimization. This method identifies the most efficient production unit and makes it possible to rank all of the farms in the region. In this study, each production unit (farm) was considered a decision-making unit (DMU), and its production efficiency was determined based on two models. Namely, the Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR) model also known as Constant Return to Scale (CRS), and the Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model also known as Variable Return to Scale (VRS).Results and Discussion: The results showed that the input and output energies per cow per day were 173.34 and 166 MJ, respectively. Livestock feed and electricity accounted for 65.47% and 27.2% of the input energy, respectively, while the oil used for tiller-scraper lubrication of fertilizer collection accounted for only 0.01%, making it the lowest input energy. Energy efficiency, specific energy, and net energy were calculated as 0.95, 0.13 kg MJ-1, 7.51 MJ kg-1, and -7.20 MJ per cow, respectively. In the abiotic depletion impact group, animal feed, machinery, and livestock equipment had the highest environmental impacts. The results showed that animal feed had the highest environmental emissions in all impact groups except for abiotic depletion of fossil fuels where electricity had the greatest effect. CRS model determined that 7 units were efficient; with an average efficiency of 0.78. In the BCC model, 20 production units were calculated as highly efficient, and the average efficiency was computed to be 0.78.Conclusion: In dairy farms in Khuzestan province, animal feed and electricity were found to have the highest energy consumption. In most impact groups, animal feed had the highest environmental effects. Specifically, in the abiotic depletion impact group, animal feed, livestock machinery, and equipment had the highest environmental effects. Considering the length of the heat period and the intensity of the solar flux, the installation of solar panels on the farm's roof to generate electricity can help reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy and mitigate radiation intensity under the roof.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Jalali; A. Banakar; B. Farzaneh; M. Montazeri
Abstract
IntroductionIn the poultry industry, reducing energy consumption is essential for reducing costs. Energy requirements in the poultry industry include heating, cooling, lighting, and power line energy. Identifying factors that increase energy usage is crucial, and providing appropriate solutions to reduce ...
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IntroductionIn the poultry industry, reducing energy consumption is essential for reducing costs. Energy requirements in the poultry industry include heating, cooling, lighting, and power line energy. Identifying factors that increase energy usage is crucial, and providing appropriate solutions to reduce costs and energy consumption is inevitable. One of the major and expensive factors in the poultry industry is the use of fossil fuels, which also causes pollution. Energy costs directly impact the cost of production and increase the per capita cost of production in the meat and egg sectors. In Iran, poultry farms are among the most widely used energy consumers, especially for heating breeding halls, making them a significant subset of the agricultural sector.Materials and MethodsThe problem under study is the thermal simulation of a meat poultry farm located in Ardestan city, Isfahan province. Ardestan city is situated in a desert region in the north of Isfahan province, at a latitude of 33 degrees and 23 minutes north, and a longitude of 52 degrees and 22 minutes east. The dimensions of the poultry hall floor are 5 meters by 8 meters, and it has a capacity of 300 poultry pieces. There are two inlet air vents (windows), each with dimensions of 1.90 by 1.6 meters. The roof has an average height of 2.5 meters and is sloping, made from a combination of plastic carton, fiberglass, and sheet metal.To reduce energy consumption in this poultry farm, a solar heating system is designed and studied in this research. The farm is one of the functions of Isfahan province, with dimensions of 8 meters in length and 5 meters in width. The simulation is performed using TRNSYS software.Results and DiscussionThe results demonstrate that a collector surface area of 26 m2 is necessary to reach the technically optimal point, where the sun's maximum production is achieved with no energy dissipation. Furthermore, the findings indicate that a balance of 16 m2 is required to align the solar system with the auxiliary system.ConclusionBy installing 2 square meters of solar collectors, 5.2% of the total energy demand can be met with solar energy. To fully meet the energy demand using solar energy, a collector area of 30 square meters is required. As the solar fraction increases, the system's ability to extract solar energy also increases. The maximum production of solar energy without any wastage is achievable with a collector area of 26 square meters. Moreover, to maintain a balance between the use of solar energy and the auxiliary system, a collector area of 16 square meters is needed.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
S. Noroozi; A. Maleki; Sh. Besharati
Abstract
IntroductionSolar energy is one of the most important sources of renewable energy, and it is used to address problems related to energy needs, including increasing fossil fuels, rising energy transportation costs, higher energy demand worldwide, and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar collectors harness ...
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IntroductionSolar energy is one of the most important sources of renewable energy, and it is used to address problems related to energy needs, including increasing fossil fuels, rising energy transportation costs, higher energy demand worldwide, and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar collectors harness the sun's thermal energy to convert it into useful and usable energy. Solar collectors are divided into several types, including parabolic trough collectors (PTCs), linear Fresnel reflectors (LFRs), solar plates, and central towers. Among these, the most common heat generation systems are linear adsorption technologies. In this study, we examine the use of LFR technology for greenhouse heating during the winter in Shahrekord.Materials and Methods Previous studies (Huang et al., 2014) were used for optical analysis. The Daneshyar model was utilized to calculate the amount of solar energy available at a particular location. Mathematical formulas were employed to calculate the instantaneous energy equilibrium, and a heat transfer resistance model was developed to calculate the heat loss of different parts of the collector. To create a model, the total amount of exergy must first be calculated, which can be done by using the Petlla formula given by Bellos et al. (2019).Results and DiscussionThe following results were obtained from this study:The proposed mathematical model for calculating solar energy was accurate in terms of daily and instantaneous performance. This model was valid for both clear and cloudy days, making it applicable in a variety of weather conditions.The maximum useful heat production of the current system for February was about 2.5 kW, resulting in an increased liquid temperature of 16 degrees Celsius in the heat tank.The maximum thermal efficiency of the Fresnel collector during the day was 64%, while the average daily efficiency was 56.4%.The most significant parameters that affected the production of useful energy were the position of the sun during the day and the number of cloudy days.The system was capable of heating stored water to 98 degrees per day, available for up to 14 hours.The system under consideration can be used to produce heat up to 1260 watts for 15 hours without heating the tank. The generated heat can be utilized in the food industry for steam production and industrial desalination of water.The decrease in exergy efficiency was due to the reduction in the thermal efficiency of the system and the increase in the thermal difference between the collector and ambient temperatures. Higher values can be achieved by reducing the heat losses, which is a reason to reduce the exergy efficiency of the system.Conclusion This paper investigated the daily performance of a linear Fresnel collector with an 18 square meter mirror field, a parabolic collector, and an insulated storage tank with a volume of 250 liters. The investigation included experimental analysis and theoretical formulation of thermal phenomena under the weather conditions of Shahrekord. The mathematical model developed for this system is based on the energy balance in the collector and storage tank. The results show that this is an efficient greenhouse heating system, with an average thermal efficiency of 56%, which is reasonable and competitive with other similar technologies. Additionally, the cost of construction and maintenance of this system is much lower than that of competitors.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
P. Shamsi Roodbarsar; S. R. Mousavi Seyedi; D. Kalantari; K. Ghasemi
Abstract
IntroductionIt is predicted that the world population will grow to 9.3 billion by 2050 and the urban population will increase by 73%, growing from 3.6 billion to 6.3 billion. This huge population requires abundant food production. A plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) is a closed growing system ...
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IntroductionIt is predicted that the world population will grow to 9.3 billion by 2050 and the urban population will increase by 73%, growing from 3.6 billion to 6.3 billion. This huge population requires abundant food production. A plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) is a closed growing system that is insulated against heat and air. The plants grow on shelves under horizontal artificial lighting. The main goal of PFAL is commercial plant production, but mini PFALs do not have commercial goals and are used to produce plants in small domestic sizes. Plants that are less than 30 cm tall, and grow well in relatively low light conditions and at high planting densities, are suitable for the plant factory. Therefore, plants such as rice, wheat, and potatoes are not suitable for cultivation in a plant factory.The main purpose of this research is to study the proper light quality for growing radish plants. All light treatments had a significant effect on biomass, sugar, and photosynthetic pigments of radish. The results showed that the highest amount of chlorophyll a was 0.964 mg g-1 fresh leaf weight and the lowest amount was 0.318 mg g-1 fresh leaf weight. For chlorophyll b, the highest value was 0.666 mg g-1 wet weight and the lowest value was 0.229 mg g-1 wet weight. The highest and lowest carotenoid contents were 74.75 mg g-1 and 30.6 mg g-1 wet weight, respectively. The highest sugar content was 0.717 μg g-1 dry weight and the lowest was 0.02 μg g-1 dry weight. The highest fresh and dry weights of the plant were 0.27 g and 0.014 g, respectively, while the lowest values recorded were 0.155 g and 0.007 g, respectively. In this study, plant length was also examined, but no significant difference was observed between different light treatments. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the light composition (R2, G0, B1) was the most suitable light regime for use in the designed system.Materials and MethodsThe plant studied in this investigation was radish. The place of growth was a vertically built system consisting of four floors, each divided into two sections. A controller was required in each section to regulate parameters such as light time, temperature, and moisture. The controllers were designed using Fritzing software and built with parts and sensors like DHT 11, Arduino UNO based on ATMEGA328P, Relay module Arduino, data logging shield, and driver module RC. A programming platform like Arduino was used to write codes for controlling the remaining parameters. This study tested seven different light treatments, plus sunlight as a control, to investigate their effects on radish growth. The light treatments were developed by adjusting the number of three different lights: red, green, and blue. LEDs were installed after designing and constructing the m-PFAL system. Based on previous research conducted in this field, all LED lights were positioned above the shelves to ensure that the plants received an appropriate amount of light in a vertical orientation. Additionally, light reflectors were installed beside the plants to provide proper lighting for the lower leaves. The experimental design involved a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications, and all data analysis was conducted through SAS software. The average comparison was performed using the Duncan method at a probability of 1% and 5%.Results and DiscussionThe results indicate that the light regime (R2, G0, B1) resulted in the highest amount of chlorophyll "a", which was significantly different from both the control and other treatments. The treatment with the lowest amount of chlorophyll "a" was (R1, G0, B0), which did not differ significantly from the control or (R1, G1, B1). The treatment with the highest amount of chlorophyll "b" was (R2, G0, B1), which differed significantly from the control but not from (R2, G1, B0) or (R1, G0, B2). Using a mixed light treatment of blue and red resulted in higher amounts of photosynthesis pigments, especially when the red light was more prevalent. The treatment with the highest wet weight was (R2, G0, B1), which did not differ significantly from natural light. The treatment with the lowest wet weight was the just red light treatment, which was much lower than the other treatments. The dry weight of the radish was 4-6 percent of its wet weight, and the treatment with the highest dry weight was (R2, G0, B1), which did not differ significantly from (R0, G1, B2) or (R1, G0, B0). The treatment with the highest amount of sugar was (R2, G0, B1), which was significantly higher than other optical regimes used and natural light. Because the production of carbohydrates and sugar is directly related to photosynthesis, it can be concluded that the state of photosynthesis was most proper in the (R2, G0, B1) treatment.ConclusionThis study investigated the optimal light quality for the healthy and rapid growth of radish plants in a plant factory. LED lights can be an excellent alternative to natural light when there are limitations, such as in greenhouses or multi-floor plantings. The results show that the best light mixture was red and blue lights, with more red light than blue light, while the worst light regime was just red color, which had a negative effect on all parameters.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Ghonimy; M. Morcos; A. Badr
Abstract
In this study a mathematical analysis for estimating the performance rate "RP" of wheel type trenching machine was studied. The mathematical analysis quantifies the analysis and resulted in an equation. This mathematical equation was checked under different operating conditions. The practical study of ...
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In this study a mathematical analysis for estimating the performance rate "RP" of wheel type trenching machine was studied. The mathematical analysis quantifies the analysis and resulted in an equation. This mathematical equation was checked under different operating conditions. The practical study of the performance rate showed that the deviation of the theoretical performance rate from the actual performance rate ranged from 5 to 7% for the 60.4 and 90.5 cm trench depth, respectively. The machine field efficiency also ranged between 43 and 50.1% for 90.5 cm and 60.4 cm trench depth respectively.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
M. Zangeneh; N. Banaeian
Abstract
IntroductionSo far, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of input consumption patterns on energy, economic, and environmental indicators on horticultural and greenhouse crops in Iran. A review of these studies shows that the causes of the current situation in the systems have not been ...
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IntroductionSo far, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of input consumption patterns on energy, economic, and environmental indicators on horticultural and greenhouse crops in Iran. A review of these studies shows that the causes of the current situation in the systems have not been investigated. These studies are mostly reporting the current situation and the interventions and their effect on improving the input consumption pattern in the sustainability of the system have not been considered by researchers. Also, studies showed that the study location and products do not fit well with the volume of production in the horticultural and greenhouse sector of Iran. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness and future direction of studies in this field, this review study was conducted. In this article, Iranian horticultural and greenhouse production systems were reviewed and analyzed by reviewing the published articles between 2008 and 2018, using the PRISMA method. The PRISMA method is a well-known method for conducting systematic review studies. The PRISMA method includes the following sections: background; objectives; data sources; study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions; study appraisal and synthesis methods; results; limitations; conclusions, and implications of key findings. In this article, 16 types of garden products and 6 types of greenhouse products were studied.Material and MethodsIn this study, the methods used to determine the status of energy consumption, economic and environmental patterns for horticultural and greenhouse crops were analyzed. For this purpose, the indicators of total energy consumption (TEI), energy efficiency (EUE), net energy (NE), and energy efficiency (EP) were examined in the section of energy. The issue of sensitivity analysis of energy inputs was also examined and the highest values of t-statistic and MPP were reported for products. In some articles, the data envelopment analysis method was used in systems performance analysis. The indicators used included technical efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE), scale efficiency (SE), and energy-saving target ratio (ESTR). The results of them were summarized and reported. In some studies, the method of artificial neural networks and the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System were used. In general, in the present article, the challenges and risks in the methods used in previous studies were considered. The issue of sampling in the analysis of agricultural systems was discussed in detail and a new sampling procedure was proposed. To draw a general picture of energy and environmental indicators of orchard and greenhouse systems in Iran, the results published in the articles were reviewed. Not all researchers use the same equivalents in calculating the indices, and this makes the results of the studies slightly different from each other. The existence of such differences causes some deviations in comparing the results of similar articles in the same products. However, to adjust for these differences, averaging was used in the index report.Results and DiscussionThe study of the share of inputs in the total energy consumption shows that for horticultural products, the share of fertilizer and electricity inputs is very significant. In the case of greenhouse products, fuel input, which is mainly diesel, has the largest share of energy consumption. Walnuts have the lowest energy consumption and strawberries have the highest energy consumption among orchard products. Grapes, apples, and walnuts also have positive net energy, so they have the highest energy efficiency compared to other products. The most important inputs that have the greatest potential for energy savings in most products are diesel fuel and electricity. Among greenhouse crops in cucumber production, diesel fuel has great potential for energy savings that need to be reduced in future research. In the case of strawberry and rose products, electricity input has the greatest potential for energy savings. Knowing the potential of inputs that can be saved can be effective in changing the behavior of producers.ConclusionTo increase the effectiveness of research in this area, such studies should be done dynamically and for at least two or more years. In the first year, the input consumption pattern should be extracted and after performing the consumption pattern modifying interventions, the effect of these actions should be evaluated in the following years. Data envelopment analysis methods and multi-objective genetic algorithm can be well used to develop solutions to improve input consumption patterns. The review of articles showed that the study of the effect of social factors on the behavior of various production systems has been neglected. Since the pattern of energy consumption in the agricultural sector is significantly dependent on the behavior of users and the characteristics of systems and methods of production, it seems necessary to pay attention to this factor to prepare and design any process improvement strategy in the system. In this study, a new procedure including three stages of analysis, redesign, and evaluation was proposed to complete the studies related to the analysis of agricultural systems.
Agricultural systems engineering (greenhouse, fish farming, mushroom production)
H. Faridi; A. Arabhosseini; Gh. Zarei; M. Okos
Abstract
In this research, an attempt was made to utilize an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) system as a source of shallow geothermal energy to provide thermal demands of a commercial greenhouse located in Alborz province, Iran. The degree-day index was applied to estimate the EAHE system’s potential to ...
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In this research, an attempt was made to utilize an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) system as a source of shallow geothermal energy to provide thermal demands of a commercial greenhouse located in Alborz province, Iran. The degree-day index was applied to estimate the EAHE system’s potential to meet the thermal requirements of the greenhouse including cooling and heating demands. The results indicated that this region needed more energy to reach to the relevant temperature inside the greenhouse for the heating demand comparing to the cooling one. The average potential of the EAHE system based on the degree-day index was 10.76ºC for increasing temperature in the cold and 17.96ºC for decreasing temperature in the warm season. This means that the EAHE system was capable of supplying the greenhouse thermal demands in this area according to the calculated values of Heating Degree-Day (HDD) and Cooling Degree-Day (CDD). This method would be beneficial in monitoring and optimizing plant growth conditions as the best crop type or cultivation selection which in turn can help in irrigation and fertigation management of the crop grown.
