• Colorimetric sensing platform based on Lab-on-a-chip for ammonia detection in water
    JooYoung Lee, Yeonggeol Hong, Kyoung-Je Jang
    Ammonia, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, is highly corrosive, toxic, and harmful to living organisms when exposed to high concentrations. It … + READ MORE
    Ammonia, a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, is highly corrosive, toxic, and harmful to living organisms when exposed to high concentrations. It is also a known cause of water pollution when released in large quantities. This common source of ammonia in agriculture and factories requires continuous monitoring and rapid field measurements to prevent water pollution. Various methods exist for monitoring ammonia, with electrochemical and optical methods being the primary ones. Conventional methods face challenges such as sensor longevity, size, and low detection limits. In this study, lab on a chip module was fabricated for ammonia measurement. The developed device comprises three distinct parts: a mixing part, a reaction part, and a measuring part. It is designed to be compatible with microfluidic chips, allowing for the continuous utilization of the platform. The replacement of the microfluidic chip is the only maintenance required, making the device cost-effective for ammonia measurement in water. The ammonia concentration was measured using a colorimetric detection method on the lab-on-a-chip detection unit, using a 20% v/v dilution of Nessler's reagent and the reaction product of the ammonia sample with the AS 7262 spectral sensor. To facilitate straightforward measurements on the developed platform, 3D computer-aided design software was used to create a digital model, which was then produced using a 3D printer employing the 3D modelling technique. - COLLAPSE
    30 September 2024
  • Trends of vegetable transplanting mechanism for biodegradable seedling pots: A review
    Md Razob Ali, Mohammod Ali, Md Nasim Reza, Geun-hyeok Jang, Beom-Sun Kang, Im-Joung Choi, Deok-hyung Lee, Sun-Ok Chung, Jong-Min Koo
    The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture has led to the widespread adoption of biodegradable seedling pots and advancements in vegetable transplanting mechanisms. … + READ MORE
    The increasing focus on sustainable agriculture has led to the widespread adoption of biodegradable seedling pots and advancements in vegetable transplanting mechanisms. This review focused on the latest trends in the development and application of biodegradable seedling pots and their integration into mechanized transplanting systems. Biodegradable pots, made from eco-friendly materials such as peat, coir, and plant fibers, offer a sustainable alternative to plastic pots by decomposing naturally in the soil, reducing waste, and promoting soil health. Recent improvements in the structural integrity of biodegradable pots ensure they remain intact during seedling growth while facilitating smooth integration into planting systems. Biodegradable plug trays, offer uniform seedling growth and ease of mechanical handling, though their structural integrity can be compromised during transplantation. Chain paper pots, designed for sequential planting, enable continuous and efficient transplantation, particularly in large-scale farming. However, their performance can be influenced by environmental factors such as soil moisture and pot strength. Cylindrical paper pots, known for their durability and support for root development, integrate well with mechanized systems, enhancing overall planting efficiency. Several innovative transplanting mechanisms have been developed to improve the efficiency of biodegradable seedling pot systems. Among the most prominent are the Seedling Plug-Cell Mechanism (SPCM) and the Ferris-type transplanting mechanism. The SPCM streamlines transplanting by removing the need for complex clamping devices, enhancing speed and precision. The Ferris-type mechanism excels in high-speed planting, reaching up to 100 cells per minute with optimized depth and spacing. Despite their potential, biodegradable systems face challenges related to crop productivity, root development, and seedling health. Future research and technological innovation are required to address these challenges and fully harness the potential of biodegradable transplanting systems in improving sustainable agricultural practices. - COLLAPSE
    30 September 2024
  • Influence of legumes as green manures in the corn production
    Anselmo Martins Capuchila, Tusan Park
    The research aimed to assess the impact of green manure (GM) on enhancing soil quality and crop development from a precision agricultural … + READ MORE
    The research aimed to assess the impact of green manure (GM) on enhancing soil quality and crop development from a precision agricultural perspective. Conducted in an experimental field in Mozambique, a randomized complete block design with five treatments and four replications was employed. The treatments included four varieties of legumes (Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus lunatus, Crotalaria juncea, and Mucuna aterrima) and a control without green manures (GM). The biomass productivity of the legumes, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, and productivity of corn were analyzed. The collected data underwent normality testing and variance analysis. Chemical analysis of the soil revealed an increase in nutrient levels in the variables examined. Vigna unguiculata exhibited the highest nutrient levels (3.69% organic matter), followed by Mucuna aterrima (3.54% organic matter). Vigna unguiculata demonstrated superior biomass productivity, yielding 5.77 kg/m2 (57.7 tons/ha) of fresh mass and 1.83 kg/m2 (18.3 tons/ha) of dry mass. Mucuna aterrima followed with 4.38 kg/m2 (43.8 ton/ha) of fresh mass and 1.51 kg/m2 (15.1 ton/ha) of dry mass. Crotalaria juncea exhibited 2.59 kg/m2 (25.9 ton/ha) and 1.14 kg/m2 (11.4 ton/ha), while Phaseolus lunatus had the lowest results with 2.25 kg/m2 (22.5 ton/ha) of fresh mass and 0.67 kg/m2 (6.7 ton/ha) of dry mass. Green manures improved soil quality, and the corn crop used as an indicator exhibited significant responses to applying green manures across all analyzed growth and development parameters. - COLLAPSE
    30 September 2024
  • Estimating plant height of red pepper using unmanned aerial vehicle-based multi spectral imagery
    Chang-Hyeok Park, Chan-Seok Ryu, Jong-Chan Jeong, Gang-In Je, Ye-Seong Kang
    This study was conducted to develop the plant height estimation model for pepper using vegetation indicies of multispectral imagery using an Unmanned … + READ MORE
    This study was conducted to develop the plant height estimation model for pepper using vegetation indicies of multispectral imagery using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. There were no models to satisfy the conditions (R2T >0.6, MAPE < 10%), despite significant results in both the multiples linear regressions with Green and Blue bands selected by VIF and the simple linear regressions. The multiple linear regression model using PRI, GRVI, and SAVI selected as VIF satisfied the conditions regardless of the ratio of learning data. The 6:4 ratio model was selected as the best model because its validation performance (R2T = 0.638, RMSET = 2.245 cm, MAPET = 1.183%, R2V = 0.338, RMSEV = 3.980 cm, MAPEV = 4.096%) was better than the others, even though the 7:3 ratio model had a higher R2 value. The standardized regression coefficients of the selected model were PRI, SAVI, and GRVI, in that order. When estimating the plant height of peppers, multiple linear regression was more accurate than simple linear regression. - COLLAPSE
    30 September 2024
  • Mechanization trends of cabbage harvesting practices: A review
    Mohammod Ali, Md Asrakul Haque, Md Aminur Rahman, Jeong-Min Moon, Kyoung-Joong Kim, Sun-Ok Chung, Hye-In Kim
    Cabbage harvesting practices have undergone significant technological advancements, shifting from traditional manual methods to advanced mechanized systems. This review paper examines the … + READ MORE
    Cabbage harvesting practices have undergone significant technological advancements, shifting from traditional manual methods to advanced mechanized systems. This review paper examines the trends of cabbage harvesting mechanization, focusing on the development of mechanical harvesters, application of precision agriculture techniques, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of cabbage production. The transition from manual to mechanical harvesting began with the introduction of basic cutting and collecting equipment. Modern cabbage harvesters are equipped with multi-row operations, advanced cutting mechanisms, integrated conveyor systems, cleaning and sorting functions, and automated loading capabilities, which significantly enhance the efficiency of cabbage harvesting. Recent trends emphasize the integration of precision agriculture and advanced technologies to reduce harvesting losses, improve production, lower labour requirements, and enhance cabbage quality. Despite these advancements, challenges like high initial investment costs, fragmented land conditions, potential crop damage, and difficulties adapting to diverse field conditions can account for the limited progress in mechanization worldwide. Nonetheless, a few advanced mechanizations have transformed cabbage harvesting in developed countries, increasing production and reducing reliance on manual labour. This paper provides suitable insights for researchers and manufacturers aiming to become familiar with advanced cabbage harvester technology. - COLLAPSE
    30 September 2024