Mechanization and Technologies for Agriculture
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
To learn the general criteria and analytical tools underlying the selection of agricultural machinery and plants, according to the specific needs of the farm. To know how to apply quantitative methodologies of technical-economic analysis of mechanization.
Develop a general knowledge of the technological aspects and the operative characteristics of the information and electronic systems used in agricultural machinery and precision farming.
Develop a general knowledge of the technological aspects and the operative characteristics of the information and electronic systems used in agricultural machinery and precision farming.
Expected learning outcomes
Know and apply the technical criteria for selecting and sizing fleets of agricultural machines.
Ability to use quantitative models of technical-economic analysis for mechanization choices.
Understanding the role of new technologies in agriculture and knowing how to choose advanced systems for precision agriculture knowing their main limitations and operational advantages.
To recognize and evaluate the functionalities of the different components of farm information systems.
Know and use in a critical way the positioning, sensing and automation systems adopted for farm operations.
Ability to use quantitative models of technical-economic analysis for mechanization choices.
Understanding the role of new technologies in agriculture and knowing how to choose advanced systems for precision agriculture knowing their main limitations and operational advantages.
To recognize and evaluate the functionalities of the different components of farm information systems.
Know and use in a critical way the positioning, sensing and automation systems adopted for farm operations.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Unit - Farm mechanization
Farm mechanization fundamentals
Operating time and field capacity. Crop technique and workability periods.
Selecting farm machinery
Criteria for operational choice. Utilization indices. Timeliness and workable area. Work width and power demand. Sizing of mechanization and transportation chains
Selecting farm tractors
Sizing according to the coupled equipment and operational selection of tractors. Farm power load
Mechanization costs
Assessing the operating costs of agricultural machinery. Fixed and variable costs; operating costs for the farm. Analysis of technical alternatives. Owning equipment or contractors
Main farm plants
Drying of products: the process, load estimation, dimensioning and consumption estimation, plant types and criteria of choice. Refrigeration of products: refrigeration cycle, plant components, dimensioning and consumption estimation
Unit - Advanced technologies for agriculture
The farm information systems and principles of management computer science.
The Precision Agriculture. Definitions and importance of the agricultural mechanization.
The GNSS satellite positioning systems: description, operation principles, the GNSS receivers' performance, the techniques for the differential correction (real-time and post processing). The systems for the real-time differential correction transmission. The public (SBAS) and the private constellations providing the differential correction. Critical use of GNSS systems in Precision Agriculture.
The assisted guidance systems and the automatic guidance systems for agricultural machines. Operation principles, performance analysis and selection criteria as a function of the requested positioning accuracy.
The yield mapping: operation principles, the sensors used, creation of yield maps and examples related to the main crops.
Compatibility in the interchange of data between agricultural machines (tractors and operating machines) and description of main communication protocols (CANbus e ISObus).
The Variable Rate Technology. The machines, the sensors and actuators used, the operation logic of VRT systems.
Farm mechanization fundamentals
Operating time and field capacity. Crop technique and workability periods.
Selecting farm machinery
Criteria for operational choice. Utilization indices. Timeliness and workable area. Work width and power demand. Sizing of mechanization and transportation chains
Selecting farm tractors
Sizing according to the coupled equipment and operational selection of tractors. Farm power load
Mechanization costs
Assessing the operating costs of agricultural machinery. Fixed and variable costs; operating costs for the farm. Analysis of technical alternatives. Owning equipment or contractors
Main farm plants
Drying of products: the process, load estimation, dimensioning and consumption estimation, plant types and criteria of choice. Refrigeration of products: refrigeration cycle, plant components, dimensioning and consumption estimation
Unit - Advanced technologies for agriculture
The farm information systems and principles of management computer science.
The Precision Agriculture. Definitions and importance of the agricultural mechanization.
The GNSS satellite positioning systems: description, operation principles, the GNSS receivers' performance, the techniques for the differential correction (real-time and post processing). The systems for the real-time differential correction transmission. The public (SBAS) and the private constellations providing the differential correction. Critical use of GNSS systems in Precision Agriculture.
The assisted guidance systems and the automatic guidance systems for agricultural machines. Operation principles, performance analysis and selection criteria as a function of the requested positioning accuracy.
The yield mapping: operation principles, the sensors used, creation of yield maps and examples related to the main crops.
Compatibility in the interchange of data between agricultural machines (tractors and operating machines) and description of main communication protocols (CANbus e ISObus).
The Variable Rate Technology. The machines, the sensors and actuators used, the operation logic of VRT systems.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the production processes in agriculture, of the main farm equipment, and of the parameters required for quantitative evaluations of mechanised operations
Teaching methods
Lectures will be integrated with several numerical examples of application to field examples performed with computer simulations in spreadsheet and with discussion of technical documentation of commercial machinery
Teaching Resources
The study material and references to additional documentation is available at the course webpage
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a practical test involving the technical and quantitative application of the theoretical concepts presented during the lectures, as well as an oral discussion to assess the knowledge acquired.
For the final grade, the evaluation will consider the demonstrated level of knowledge, the effectiveness of communication, and the ability to make interdisciplinary connections.
For the final grade, the evaluation will consider the demonstrated level of knowledge, the effectiveness of communication, and the ability to make interdisciplinary connections.
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION - University credits: 8
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Calcante Aldo, Oberti Roberto
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment only
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Engineering area
Reception:
make an appointment
via Celoria 2 - Building 10: Ingegneria Agraria