2017, Vol. 15, No. 4

Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/5358

Sirvi

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Theoretical research into the stability of motion of the ploughing tractor-implement unit operating on the ‘push-pull’ principle
(2017) Bulgakov, V.; Adamchuk, V.; Nadykto, V.; Kistechok, O.; Olt, Jüri; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Technology
The reduction of power consumption in the ploughing operations can be achieved by way of improving the grip properties of the implement-carrying tractors, which is facilitated by setting up ploughing units for operation on the ‘push-pull’ principle. The aim of the current research is to substantiate the set-up and parameters of the ploughing unit with a front-mounted plough basing on the theoretical investigation of the stability of its motion in the horizontal plane. The methods of research include obtaining the amplitude- and phase-frequency response characteristics of the dynamic system in order to analyse the stability of its motion under the action of external statistically random perturbations. Also, the methods of software development and PC-based numerical computation are applied. The results of the study prove that the increase of the ploughing unit’s travel speed results in the considerable rise of the gain of the amplitude of the tractor’s heading angle oscillation in response to the oscillation of the angular displacement of the front-mounted plough in the horizontal plane. The phase-frequency response displays the same behaviour, changing substantially together with the unit’s travel speed. Raising the coefficient of resistance to tyre slip of the tractor’s rear wheels from 100 to 130 kPa and the front wheels from 140 to 175 kPa results in a minor decrease of the amplitude of oscillation of the tractor’s heading angle φ. The ploughing unit has the best response to the input effect, i.e. the oscillation of the front-mounted plough’s angular displacement βp, when it operates using the 1+5 combination. The increase of the number of front-mounted plough bodies from 1 to 3 results in the substantial growth of the tractor’s heading angle oscillation amplitude. Taking into account the way, in which the ploughing unit as a dynamic system responds to the input perturbance, the increase of its travel speed can be restricted not by the condition of its motion stability, but solely by the agrotechnical requirements applied to such a process operation as ploughing. The ploughing unit’s motion stability substantially improves in case of higher air pressure in the tyres on the tractor’s front and rear wheels. This effect is especially pronounced in the perturbance oscillation frequency range (0...1.5 s –1 ) that covers the main part of its dispersion.
Fair Trade and social responsibility – whose duty? Estonian consumers’ attitudes and beliefs
(2017) Riivits-Arkonsuo, Iivi; Ojasoo, Merle; Leppiman, Anu; Mänd, Kristina
This article investigates how the Estonian consumers endorse the idea of Fair Trade (FT) and understand the principles of social responsibility. The article is based on a study on Fair Trade and social responsibility conducted in 2014. The study examined the consumers’ attitudes and beliefs associated with FT and local Estonian agricultural production. The article aims to compare if there are any difference in the beliefs and attitudes among the Estonian consumers towards supporting local farmers and producers versus supporting the FT ideas which benefit the farmers and producers from the Global South. The authors fully recognise that there is no competition among these two groups per se, but the perception exists in the minds of the consumers. The respondents of the nation-wide representative sample (n = 1,007) evaluated the responsibility of different economic agents such as public sector, retailers, suppliers, producers, and consumers. Most of the respondents regarded the principle of social responsibility as giving the priority to local Estonian agricultural production. The Estonian consumers tend to be sceptical about the benefits of FT or the workers and farmers from the developing countries. The awareness and knowledge about FT ideas is not high.
Theoretical research into the motion of combined fertilising and sowing tractor-implement unit
(2017) Bulgakov, V.; Adamchuk, V.; Arak, Margus; Petrychenko, I.; Olt, Jüri; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Technology
A mathematical model has been developed representing the motion of a seed drill combination simultaneously performing the preceding banded placement of mineral fertilisers. Such a combined unit comprises the gang-up wheeled tractor, the fertiliser distribution module behind the tractor attached to it with the use of a hitch and intended for the banded placement of mineral fertilisers and the grain drill behind the fertiliser distribution module attached to it also with the use of a hitch. For the components of this dynamic system the coordinates of their centres, their masses as well as the external forces and the reactions of the soil surface applied to them have been determined. In order to use the original dynamic equations in the form of the Lagrange equations of the second kind, the generalised coordinates and kinetic energy relations have been determined. Following the necessary transformations, a system of six differential equations of motion has been generated, which characterises the behaviour of the combined machine unit during its plane-parallel motion. In this system, two line coordinates and one angular coordinate characterise the behaviour of the propulsion and power unit (wheeled tractor), while three angular coordinates characterise the rotations of the draft gear and the centres of the machines integrated with its use.
Livestock manure management practices in rural households in Tapanuli Utara regency of North Sumatra
(2017) Roubík, H.; Mazancová, J.; Situmeang, R.C.; Brunerová, A.; Simatupang, T.M.
Livestock manure management is a big challenge for low income economies including the region of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Currently, low percentages of manure managed cause illegal disposals, and negative impacts on public health and environment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the current trends among livestock manure management practices in rural households and to recognize potential problems with it. The questionnaire survey using randomly selected households (n = 196) was administered in the province of North Sumatra, Tapanuli Utara regency, from July to August 2014; then followed by several field visits from August to September 2016. Data obtained in the survey were analysed with descriptive statistics and cross tabulation. Majority (81%) of rural households handle manure in the process of either composting (75%) or sun-drying (6%). Remaining 6% of the respondents does not handle manure at all. Manure could represent valuable energy and plant nutrition resource, if used appropriately. However, if not handled at all or handled inappropriately, it can lead to the environmental problems. Our results revealed that current ways of stabling of livestock are inappropriate from the environmental perspective. The stabling has got only dusty earthen floor, which makes difficult for farmers wash out the excrements and pollution. Hence, there is a need to improve manure management practice to eliminate potential threats as current practices do not protect either humans, animals or environment against the risk of contamination with potential zoonotic pathogens.
The assessment of hazelnut mechanical harvesting productivity
(2017) Bernardi, B.; Tous, J.; Benalia, S.; Abenavoli, L.M.; Zimbalatti, G.; Stillitano, T.; De Luca, A.I.
Hazelnut cultivation represents a new opportunity for Calabrian mountainous and sloping areas (Southern Italy), where no alternative fruit crops, except forestry, could be settled. In this Region, hazelnut production doubled during the last fifty years, inciting the farmers to introduce mechanization in cropping practices such as harvesting in order to increase productivity and decrease production costs. Indeed, harvesting is currently one of the most expensive processes of the productive cycle, moreover to be time consuming if carried out manually. Mechanization degree depends significantly on the terrain topography: in sloping areas, rakes are often associated to aspirating machines to harvest the fallen fruit, while the employment of harvesting machines from the ground prevails in flat areas. In this context, the present paper aims to assess technical and economic aspects of harvesting operation, using a harvester from the ground model ‘Jolly 2800’ (GF s.r.l., Italy). Particularly, for technical purposes data about operational working time as well as working productivity were collected according to CIOSTA requirements, in two harvesting sites, whereas, for mechanical harvesting economic evaluation, an estimation model was applied to calculate machinery cost per hour. Moreover, the cost per kg of hazelnut in shell and the average cost per hectare were estimated also. The obtained results show a working productivity of 0.065 ha h-1 op-1 in the first harvesting site, while it was equal to 0.022 ha h -1 op-1 in the second one. Concerning the average cost per hectare, the second harvesting site showed the worst economic performances, with 550.76 € ha-1 against 182.54 € ha-1 obtained in the first one.
Comparison of tractor slip at three different driving wheels on grass
(2017) Abrahám, R.; Majdan, R.; Drlička, R.
The paper deals with a possibility of tractor slip reduction on a grass and evaluates an use of two versions of special wheels. Both prototypes were developed at the Department of Transport and Handling of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The first system was designed in 2010 year as blades wheels. The second system (spikes device) consists of spikes which are mounted onto standard tractor tyres with special cuts, was designed in 2014 year. The spikes are settled in these cuts while moving on road surface. The second one is placed near the drive wheels and uses the blades. The spikes and blades are ejected to reduce wheels slip when tractor operates on grass or soil. The base position allows tractor transport on road with standard tyres. The goal of experiments realized on grass surface was to compare mutually slip behaviour achieved. The measurements were realized with standard tyres without any modification, too. A tractor with three types of drive wheels were loaded by heavier tractor. Drawbar pull and wheel rotation speed for slip calculation were measured in tests. The results show a fact that a loss of energy due to the wheels slip increases, while a penetrometric resistance in the surface layers of a soil decreases, at soil humidity 33.2%. An application of both prototypes is very advantageous because they reduce the wheels slip, increase tractor operation efficiency and so protect the soil.
Investigations about the impact of the sowing time and rate of the biomass yield and quality of industrial hemp
(2017) Adamovics, A.; Ivanovs, S.; Bulgakov, V.
The aim of this study was to find the optimum sowing rate of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and to clarify the impact of the sowing rate on the production of biofuel from hemp biomass in Latvia. Field trials were carried out at the Research and Study Farm ‘Pēterlauki’ of the Latvia University of Agriculture in 2012–2014. The industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) ‘Futura 75’ was sown in a Luvic Endogleyic Stagnosol soil: pHKCl 6.7; P – 52 mg kg-1 ; K – 128 mg kg-1 ; the organic matter content – 21–25 g kg-1 . Hemp was sown in 10-m2 plots, triplicate, on May 8 and 17. The total sowing rate was 20 (100), 30 (150), 40 (200), 50 (250), 60 (300), 70 (350), 80 (400), 90 (450), and 100 (500) kg ha-1 (germinating seeds per 1 m2 ). The plots were fertilised as follows: N – 120 kg ha-1 ; P2O5 – 80 kg ha-1 ; and K2O – 112 kg ha-1 . Hemp was harvested when the first matured seeds appeared. The biometrical indices (height and stem diameter), harvesting time, the amount of fresh and dry biomass, and the fibre content were evaluated. Depending on the sowing rate, the yield of dry matter was on average 9.2–12.1 t ha-1 when hemp was sown at the beginning of May, and 7.9–10.0 t ha-1 when hemp was sown in the middle of May.
Energy balance of sunflower production
(2017) Akdemir, S.; Cavalaris, C.; Gemtos, T.
The aim of the present study was to make an energy analysis of sunflower crop in the Trakya Region of Turkey, to evaluate the potential for using it as bioenergy source. Actual data for the common cropping practices applied in the region were collected with questionnaires given to the farmers. Literature data were used to obtain necessary energy indices. The collected information was used to establish energy budgets. Two alternative scenarios were examined: 1st - Using only the seed for biofuel production and 2nd -using the seed for biofuel and the stalks as biomass for bioenergy. The results showed that sunflower presented positive energy balance for both cases. Net energy was 35,334 MJ ha-1 when only the seed was taken into account and 87,308 MJ ha-1 for both seed and stalks. Energy efficiency was 3.67 and 7.34 respectively. Fertilization was the most energy intensive input (6,594 MJ ha-1 ) accounting for 48–50% of the total inputs. Tillage was the second most energy intensive input (3,595 MJ ha-1 ) accounting for 26–27% of total inputs. There were 6 different tillage operations such as ploughing, 4 machinery passages for seedbed preparation and hoeing in the sunflower production. All these operations increased energy inputs of the tillage. The total energy inputs were relatively low because it was possible to achieve high yields without irrigation.
Reed canary grass cultivation’s energy efficiency and fuel quality
(2017) Annuk, Andres; Allik, Alo; Annuk, Karl; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Technology. Department of Energy Engineering; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
The article discusses the energy yield and yield capacity of reed canary grass stands in semi-natural and cultivated meadows with edaphic conditions most favourable for species growing on fertile soil. Energy grass production yields have been assessed with respect to the issues of precipitation, sunshine, and frozen ground. In Estonia, a dried matter level of 4.2– 8.5 t ha-1 of reed canary grass may produce 72.91–147.56 GJ ha-1 gross energy by using 1.48– 3.06 GJ ha-1 input energy, which consequently nets 71.44–1,445.00 GJ ha-1 . The above finding indicates that 1 MJ input energy enables the production of 2.8 kg dry matter. The efficiency of energy production (ratio of energy returned on energy invested) depends on the amount of input energy used to grow and harvest reed canary grass. The input energy payback ratio for the given case was 48.2–49.4, which was higher than cases with lower and higher dry matter yield levels. Precipitation during the second part of the Estonian summer, heavy winter snow cover and a simultaneous frequent lack of frozen ground reduce the productivity of reed canary grass as energy hay because the winter or early spring harvest cannot be used.
Effect of controlled traffic farming on weed occurrence
(2017) Barát, M.; Rataj, V.; Týr, Š.; Macák, M.; Galambošová, J.
Soil compaction caused by field traffic is one of the most important yield limiting factors. Moreover, published results report that soil over-compaction inhibits the uptake of plant nutrients and decreases their ability to compete with weeds. Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) is technology which prevents excessive soil compaction and minimizes compacted area to the least possible area of permanent traffic lines. A long-term experiment was established at University farm in Kolinany (Slovakia) in 2010 with 6 m OutTrack CTF system. Random Traffic Farming (RTF) is simulated by 1 annual machinery pass crossing the permanent traffic lines. Aim of presented study was to assess the effect of CTF on weed infection pressure. To achieve this, weed occurrence at different traffic treatments was determined. Emerged weeds per square meter were counted, identified and recorded at 14 monitoring points. Results showed that higher weed infection was found at the area with one machinery pass compared to the non-compacted area. Following weeds were identified: Bromus secalinus L., Stellaria media (L.) VILL., Veronica persica POIR. in LAMK., Poa annua L., Polygonum aviculare L., Convolvulus arvensis L. Occurrence of these weeds could be used as soil compaction indicator. Based on these results it can be concluded, that CTF technology has potential to decrease weed infestation in comparison to RTF system due to ration of non-compacted to compacted area. Moreover, with exact localization of weeds in traffic lines together with exact identification of weed species, it is possible to target the application of herbicides.
Influence of shape of cutting tool on pressure conditions in workspace of mulcher with vertical axis of rotation
(2017) Čedík, J.; Chyba, J.; Pexa, M.; Petrásek, S.
Nowadays there is laid great insistence on work efficiency improvement. This effort also affects the construction of mowers such as mulchers. Mulching with a vertical axis of rotation is very energy demanding work operation mainly, due to high energy losses. These energy losses, but also the quality of work, are influenced by the airflow and associated conditions of pressure inside the workspace of mulcher. Airflow in the workspace ensures repetitious contact of the truncated forage crops with the cutting edge tool and thus ensures crushing of aboveground parts of plants. The paper deals with the influence of the cutting tool shape on the mulcher’s inside workspace pressure conditions with the vertical axis of rotation. The influence of the trailing edge angle and rake angle on the pressure profile in the mulcher’s workspace with dependence on the rotor speed was examined. Measurements were performed on a laboratory single rotor mulcher model. It was found that in the mulcher’s workspace the vacuum is formed by virtue of the rotary movement of the cutting tools wherein the vacuum increases with rotor speed. The maximum measured vacuum was about 2.4 kPa and from the centre of the rotor towards its circumference almost linearly decreases. Furthermore, it was found that with decreasing trailing edge angle and with increasing rake angle the maximum vacuum decreases. When reducing the angle of the trailing edge from 45° to 25° led to reduction of vacuum of about 0.3 kPa (12.6%).
Effect of rake angle and cutting speed on energy demands of mulcher with vertical axis of rotation
(2017) Čedík, J.; Pexa, M.; Pražan, R.
The contribution deals with the reduction of agriculture energy demands. For maintenance and treatment of permanent grassland areas, areas left fallow and put to rest the mulching in combination with other workflows (mowing, grazing) is advantageous procedure. As conventional impact grass cutting and chopping is energy demanding procedure, it is proper to reduce the energy demands of such device. In the paper the effect of shape of cutting tool, particularly the rake angle, on energy demands of mulcher with vertical axis of rotation is studied. The effect of cutting speed on energy demands is also verified. The measurement was performed using mulcher MZ 6000 made by Bednar FMT Ltd. with working width of 6 m and three rotors. During the measurement the test rides using the cutting tools with different rake angle and cutting speeds of 105m s-1 , 89 m s-1 and 79 m s-1 were performed. The rake angle of cutting tools were chosen 0°, 15° and 25°. The test area was pasture with permanent grassland. During the measurement the torque and power, transferred through PTO to the machine, fuel consumption and GPS coordinates were measured. From each test ride the samples of grass matter were taken in order to determine the yield and moisture content. It was found that increase of the rake angle up to 25° and decrease of the cutting speed resulted in decrease of the power requirement of the mulcher.
Evaluation of nutritional and physical values of pellets based on pea and lupine with added yeast in chickens fattening
(2017) Chladek, L.; Plachy, V.; Vaculik, P.; Brany, P.
The article is focused on the development of the new type of broiler chicken feed, based on pea (Pisum sativum L.) and blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L), enriched with used dried brewer´s yeast. This composition eliminates use of soybean meal (PES) that was yet a traditional component in chicken feed. The main reason for its elimination was the using of genetically modified varieties of soybean and its relatively high price around 0.5 €uro kg-1 in Czech Republic. For milling of pea or blue lupine was used vertical (hammer) mill type Taurus, supplied by company TAURUS, for drying of used brewer´s yeast had been used drier Memmert UFE 800, final dry matter of the yeast was 88%. For pellets production were used two devices, press type JGE 120-6110 and Testmer. For the determination of physical properties of manufactured pellets (the weight of 1,000 pieces, bulk density, abrasiveness and pellet durability index PDI) were used following laboratory devices, Pellet Tester Holmen NHP and Testmer 200. Experimental activities had shown that the best results were reached using pellets manufactured on base blue lupine enriched by dried brewer´s yeast (6%).
Performance analysis of biodegradable municipal solid waste collection in the Czech Republic
(2017) Chotovinský, O.; Altmann, V.
The article deals with the issues of biodegradable municipal solid waste management system, focusing on its separate collection. The two basic locations are compared – rural area and urban area. The emphasis is put on evaluation of individual biodegradable municipal solid waste collections development from 2012 to 2015. Individual technological performances of collection are also observed and evaluated (e.g. biodegradable municipal solid waste production, development of container quantity and collection frequency). The observed data also verify the efficiency of biodegradable municipal solid waste management compared to relative representation of this waste in rest municipal solid waste, which is produced in both locations. Also referential locations without separate biodegradable municipal solid waste collection are observed for evaluation. There are one locality of an urban area and one rural area too. The decrease of biodegradable municipal solid waste in rest of municipal solid waste at the basic rural researched area indicates that the directive on landfills could be followed with well-chosen technological parameters of separate biodegradable municipal solid waste collection at a given site. A statistically significant impact of separate biodegradable municipal solid waste production on relative amount of the biodegradable part in rest municipal solid waste has been demonstrated at the side of this basic rural area.
Skeletal muscle tone and motor performance characteristics in dentists as compared to controls
(2017) Ereline, Jaan; Pärenson, Kaira; Vahtrik, Doris; Pääsuke, Mati; Gapeyeva, Helena
The daily work tasks of dentists are associated with repeated movements and static load during the treatment of patients. Dentists’ profession includes manual dexterity and maintaining the occupational posture for a long time. Previously it has been noted that dentists have increased muscle stress in neck, shoulder and lower back regions. The aim of the present study was to compare the muscle tone and motor performance characteristics of neck and shoulder region in dentists and representatives of other professions who do not have similar static load of long-time duration (as controls). Twenty women aged 34–55 years participated in the study: ten dentists with the age (mean and SE) of 40.2 ± 3.9 years and ten controls (bookkeepers, security guards, office workers, printing house workers, laundry and dry cleaning workers) with the age of 40.9 ± 2.4 years; working period was on the average 14 years in both groups. The tone characteristics of m. trapezius and m. extensor carpi radialis were investigated by device Myoton- 2 (Müomeetria Ltd, Estonia) at rest and at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in sitting position at the workplace of participants. The cervical range of motion (CROM) and the handgrip strength were measured. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) tone and elasticity characteristics of m. extensor carpi radialis and lower (P < 0.05) tone and elasticity characteristics of m. trapezius at rest were noted in dentists compared to controls. At MVC, no significant differences were found in the studied characteristics between body sides in the measured groups. Dentists had lower (P < 0.05) CROM of flexion and rotation than controls. In dentists emerged significant difference in muscle elasticity characteristics for the right body side, this is related with stretching for dentistry instruments.
Experimental analysis of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and commercial diesel fuel blend characteristics using modified CFR engine
(2017) Gailis, M.; Rudzitis, J.; Kreicbergs, J.; Zalcmanis, G.
Performance parameters of different commercial diesel fuels is a subject of interest for fuel consumers. Fuel retailer Neste recently introduced a new brand of WWFC 5th grade diesel fuel in Baltic market, consisting of diesel fuel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blend. Fuel samples have been recently tested on chassis dynamometer, measuring wheel power and torque and in road conditions, measuring fuel consumption. Evaluation of fuel consumption and performance parameters in road or laboratory conditions may yield uncertain results due to complexity of modern automobile engine management and emission reduction systems. To better evaluate the combustion, fuel samples have been tested in modified CFR engine at various intake air pressure, temperature and compression ratio settings. Engine indicated performance parameters and combustion phasing of regular diesel fuel and diesel fuel-HVO blend are presented. Comparing to regular diesel fuel, fuel blend with HVO showed reduced apparent heat release rate (AHRR) during premixed combustion phase at low inlet air temperature and low compression ratio conditions, comparing to regular diesel fuel. Premixed combustion phase AHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet air temperature and higher compression ratio conditions. Diffusion controlled combustion phase AHRR of diesel-HVO blend increased above AHRR of regular diesel fuel at higher inlet air temperature, higher compression ratio conditions and supercharged air supply.
Improving job satisfaction with different intervention methods among the school personnel in Estonia and Latvia
(2017) Hrenov, G.; Vilcane, I.; Urbane, V.; Tint, Piia
This investigation was carried out in two high schools: one in Estonia (EST1) and one in Latvia (LAT1). The offices EST2 and LAT2 were chosen from the countryside of the both countries. Office EST1 is situated in an atrium-type building for educational and research needs. The second building is mainly for education (auditoriums) and the offices LAT1 are situated on the ground floor. The third and the fourth offices were taken for comparison. Office EST2 is situated in a countryside in an old wooden building; the fourth office LAT2 is located in a new building in Latvian countryside. All together 181 office-workers were involved. At first, the work environment conditions were measured. The ergonomics of workplaces was assessed with ARTtool and Kiva-questionnaire was used to study psychosocial conditions and job satisfaction at computer-equipped workplaces. Occupational hazards were measured to clarify, do the work environment influence on the behaviour and the job motivation and satisfaction of the worker at workplace? After the first questioning of workers using Kiva-questionnaire, the Metal Age programme was implemented and after the intervention, the Kiva-questionnaire was carried out again. The results showed that if the preventive measures for solving the problems at workplace are implemented, and the employers and the employees are trained and consulted using the appropriate programmes, the stress situations could be avoided. The workers in all offices were confident that the discussion about the problems is very important as the work with computers is intensive and there is a very short time to communicate with each other. The educational work is also stressful.
Critical velocity of solid mineral fertilizers in a vertical upward airstream and repose angle
(2017) Hůla, J.; Kroulík, M.; Honzík, I.
Critical velocity of mineral fertilizers in airstream is important not only at the application of fertilizers by spreaders but also at combine of fertilizing and sowing. The knowledge of angles of repose is important to design hoppers on spreaders for solid mineral fertilizers. Critical velocities for six solid mineral fertilizers were measured in the vertical aspiration duct of a laboratory sorting machine. Variation curves were constructed for particular fertilizers and the mean critical velocity of fertilizers (velocity of uplift) was computed. The mean critical velocity of fertilizers was between 8.53 and 12.43 m s -1 . The lowest critical velocity was found out in the fertilizer UREA 46%, the highest in the fertilizer LAV. Statistical significance of differences in the critical velocity of fertilizers was assessed. Angles of repose of eight solid mineral fertilizers were also measured and statistical significance of differences was evaluated. The highest values of repose angle were determined for potassium salt and ammonium sulfate (35.9° respectively 34.9°), the lowest values for UREA and LAV (28.7° respectively 29.6°). The obtained results extend information applicable to an assessment of parameters of the operation quality of spreaders during mineral fertilizer application.
Contribution of pumped hydro energy storage for more RES utilization on autonomous power systems
(2017) Katsiagiannis, Y.; Annuk, Andres; Karapidakis, E.S.; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Technology. Department of Energy Engineering
This paper addresses the performance issues of autonomous power systems under high renewable energy sources (RES) penetration. Renewable energy sources could be the main option for isolated power generation at remote locations in case that energy storage introduced. At the moment, pumped hydro storage (PHS) units and batteries storage systems (BSS) represent the most mature technologies for large scale energy storage. The basic criteria for this kind of energy storage unit installations include, (a) the existence of an autonomous power system with local power stations, (b) the high electricity production cost, (c) the potential of renewable energy sources (mainly wind and solar), and (d) the non-flat terrain morphology (for PHS). Greek islands represent ideal cases for large scale energy storage installations, as they fulfil all the above criteria. This paper shows the effect of the installation of a planned PHS unit in Crete island. The calculations are based on real data provided by the Cretan power system operator, whereas the results show the effect of energy storage units operation on the energy mix, as well as the economic viability of the project, which is combined with significant environmental benefits.
Comparison of tillage systems in terms of water infiltration into the soil during the autumn season
(2017) Kovář, S.; Mašek, J.; Novák, P.
The soil belongs to the most valuable parts of the planet Earth. It is, endangered by water erosion, which causes huge destruction every year, or damage to farmland. More than half of the agricultural land in the Czech Republic is threatened by water erosion. The measurement was performed in the location Nesperská Lhota. The trial has been established on loamy sand Cambisol. In the field experiment, there were created 6 different variants which wad differed by soil tillage and crop. In the individual variants maize and oats were located. The field trial has been existing for a long time, as it was founded in 2009. Two measuring methods of water infiltration were used for the measurements: a mini disk infiltrometer and a single ring. The measurement was performed in the period of September 2016 before the harvest of maize. The soil aggregates were already stabilized at that time after all tillage operations. The measurement result showed the difference between the methods of soil tillage. The greatest ability of infiltration had a variant of maize with inter-row oats. Surprisingly, it was followed by maize, which was processed by ploughing technology. The lowest infiltration capacity was showed by oats reduced by soil tillage. A variant without vegetation had the second lowest infiltration. Our results obtained at rate of water infiltration into the soil affirm the need to control measures in the late vegetative stages. It is important for most of the rainfall to be quickly infiltrated so that it prevents the formation of massive surface runoff.

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