دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 09 21 Development and Implementation of Electro Pneumatic Control Systems for Mechanized Operation of Combine Harvester Functional Units راه‌اندازی تقسیم کمباین به‌صورت برقی و بادی برای کنترل مکانیزه‌ی اجزای عملکردی 1 13 22313 10.22034/jam.2026.71682.1353 FA اسماعیل یارمطاقلو گروه مهندسی بیوسیستم، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه بوعلی سینای همدان، همدان، ایران. مجتبی جابری معز گروه مهندسی بیوسیستم، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه بوعلی سینای همدان، همدان، ایران. Journal Article 2026 02 23 Introduction Grain harvesters, as one of the most complex agricultural machines, have numerous subsystems whose precise control plays a decisive role in reducing harvest losses, increasing crop quality, and improving operator ergonomics. In many conventional combines, parts such as the platform, real, thresher, and grain discharge mechanism are controlled mechanically or hydraulically, reduce control accuracy. Advances in pneumatic and electrical systems have made it possible to control these parts with higher accuracy, greater safety, and more appropriate automation capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive structure for the setup and evaluation of a combined electric-pneumatic system in wheat harvesters. In recent years, advanced mechanization in harvesting machines, especially grain combines, has become one of the central issues in increasing productivity and reducing cost per unit area. Currently, many domestic combines use traditional mechanical or hydraulic systems to perform the operations of raising and lowering the harvesting platform, controlling the reals, and discharging straw and wheat, which have limitations such as response delay, oil leakage, high energy consumption, and increased component wear. Materials and Methods In this study, a hybrid electric-pneumatic control system was designed, simulated, and implemented for four key parts of the combine harvester: 1- platform raising and lowering, 2- fork control (horizontal and vertical movement), 3- straw control, and 4- wheat discharge through the outlet pipe. In the present design, the electric control circuit is combined with a PLC control unit and pneumatic actuators including solenoid valves and double-way cylinders to achieve accurate and fast control of movements. The system was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink software and tested in a practical environment with position and pressure sensors. This system was designed and manufactured at the Sabzabad Hegmataneh Combine Harvester Factory in Hamadan (New Iran) and field tested in the wheat fields of Shurin village, Hamadan city. The proposed system consists of an electrical control circuit and a pneumatic power circuit. The control circuit consists of an industrial PLC unit, cabin control switches, relays, and a 24V power supply module. The pneumatic circuit consists of an air compressor, a storage tank, a air monitoring unit (FRL), 5/2 solenoid valves, and two-way cylinders. Results and Discussion The results of this study demonstrated that the proposed electro-pneumatic control system significantly improved the dynamic and operational performance of the combine harvester. Field experiments showed that the average response time of the controlled mechanisms was reduced to less than 0.8 s, representing a considerable improvement compared to conventional hydraulic systems. MATLAB/Simulink simulations confirmed the faster transient response and higher stability of pneumatic actuators under PLC-based control. Energy consumption measurements indicated a reduction of approximately 23% relative to the hydraulic counterpart. Furthermore, positioning accuracy was enhanced, with a maximum error below 3%. Vibration analysis revealed a reduction of nearly 30%, leading to lower mechanical stress and extended component lifespan. The overall system reliability reached 0.93, exceeding that of typical domestic combine harvesters. These results confirm the feasibility of electro-pneumatic systems as an effective solution for upgrading conventional harvesting machines and enabling future intelligent control applications. Conclusion The results show that integrating electro-pneumatic actuators with PLC-based control effectively addresses key limitations of conventional hydraulic systems in combine harvesters. Faster response times are mainly due to the lower inertia of pneumatic actuators and direct on–off solenoid valve control, which removes delays from fluid compressibility and hydraulic pump circuits. Good agreement between MATLAB/Simulink simulations and field measurements confirms the validity of the dynamic model and the accuracy of the proposed control architecture. Overall energy consumption is reduced by eliminating continuously running hydraulic pumps and leakage losses. The electro-pneumatic system also improves positioning accuracy through closed-loop control with position sensors and reduces vibration by providing smoother motion, lowering impact loads and extending component service life. With a reliability index of 0.93 and successful real-world testing, the system is technically feasible and suitable for industrial use. Overall, it is a promising, cost-effective alternative for modernizing domestic combine harvesters and supports future intelligent, sensor-based control and IoT applications. Acknowledgement Thanks to the staff and personnel of New Iran Combine Harvester Company (Sabzabad Hegmataneh). در سال‌های اخیر، مکانیزاسیون پیشرفته در ماشین‌های برداشت به‌ویژه کمباین‌های غلات، به یکی از موضوعات محوری در افزایش بهره‌وری و کاهش هزینه‌ در واحد سطح تبدیل‌شده است. در شرایط فعلی، بسیاری از کمباین‌های داخلی از سیستم‌های مکانیکی یا هیدرولیکی سنتی برای انجام عملیات بالا و پایین کردن پلتفرم برداشت، کنترل چنگالی، تخلیه‌ی کاه و گندم استفاده می‌کنند که دارای محدودیت‌هایی چون تأخیر در پاسخ، نشت روغن، مصرف بالای انرژی و افزایش سایش اجزا هستند. در این پژوهش، یک سامانه‌ی کنترل ترکیبی برقی–بادی برای چهار بخش کلیدی کمباین طراحی، شبیه‌سازی و اجرا شد: ۱- بالا و پایین کردن پلتفرم، 2- کنترل چنگالی (حرکت افقی و عمودی)، 3- کنترل کاه کوب و 4- تخلیه‌ی گندم از طریق لوله‌ی خروجی. در طراحی حاضر، مدار فرمان الکتریکی با واحد فرمان PLC و عملگرهای بادی شامل شیرهای سلونوئیدی و سیلندرهای دوطرفه ترکیب‌شده است تا کنترل دقیق و سریع حرکت‌ها حاصل شود. سیستم در نرم‌افزار MATLAB/Simulink مدل‌سازی و در محیط عملی با حسگر موقعیت و فشار آزمایش شد. این سامانه در کارخانه کمباین سازی نیوایران (سبزآباد هگمتانه) همدان طراحی و ساخته شد و در مزارع گندم روستای شورین از توابع شهرستان همدان مورد آزمون میدانی قرار گرفت. نتایج آزمایش‌ها نشان داد که سامانه پیشنهادی ازنظر زمان پاسخ، مصرف انرژی، دقت کنترلی و قابلیت اطمینان عملکرد، به‌طور معناداری نسبت به سیستم‌های هیدرولیکی متداول برتری دارد. زمان پاسخ کمتر از 8/0 ثانیه، مصرف انرژی کل سیستم در مقایسه با مدار هیدرولیکی مشابه ۲۳٪ کاهش و راندمان کلی عملکرد مکانیزم‌ها ۱۷٪ افزایش یافت. ضریب قابلیت اطمینان به 93/0 رسید که نسبت به میانگین کمباین‌های تولید داخلی (74/0) بهبود قابل‌ملاحظه‌ای را نشان داد و افزایش دقت موقعیت تا سطح خطای کمتر از ۳% نسبت به سیستم هیدرولیکی سنتی به دست آمد. نتایج تجربی همچنین بیانگر کاهش محسوس لرزش و افزایش طول عمر اجزای مکانیکی تا ۳۰% بود.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22313_d70862ab92688d5140b845231cac1c2c.pdf

دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 09 21 Optimization, Economic Model, and Global Warming Potential Assessment of the Canola Production System in Mehran County بهینه‌سازی، تحلیل حساسیت و ارزیابی پتانسیل گرمایش جهانی سامانه تولید کلزا در شهرستان مهران 15 27 22315 10.22034/jam.2026.72153.1361 FA حمیدرضا شیرخانی گروه مهندسی بیوسیستم- دانشکده کشاورزی - دانشگاه ایلام - ایلام – ایران. امیر عزیزپناه گروه مهندسی بیوسیستم- دانشکده کشاورزی - دانشگاه ایلام - ایلام – ایران. کامران خیرعلی پور گروه مهندسی بیوسیستم- دانشکده کشاورزی - دانشگاه ایلام - ایلام – ایران. عزیز مراسلی گروه اقتصاد- دانشکده علوم انسانی - دانشگاه ایلام - ایلام – ایران. 0009-0004-1819-6061 Journal Article 2026 04 29 ABSTRACT Efficient energy management and reduction of environmental impacts are essential for sustainable agricultural production. This study aimed to optimize energy consumption, evaluate economic performance, and assess greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential (GWP) of the canola production system in Mehran County. Data were collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with farmers, and all inputs and outputs were converted into energy equivalents. Energy indices and economic indicators were calculated, and the Cobb–Douglas production function was applied to analyze input sensitivity. Technical, pure technical, and scale efficiencies were estimated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Results showed that diesel fuel and electricity were the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Input optimization reduced CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions and significantly decreased GWP, while improving energy efficiency, economic viability, and overall sustainability of the production system. Introduction Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop widely used for edible oil production, animal feed, and industrial applications. Expansion of canola cultivation has increased the consumption of energy-intensive inputs such as fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, electricity, and agricultural machinery. Although these inputs improve yield, their excessive use raises production costs and intensifies environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential. Evaluating energy consumption patterns and improving input efficiency are therefore essential for enhancing productivity and long-term sustainability. The Cobb–Douglas production function is commonly used to analyze input–output relationships and returns to scale, while Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) provides an effective tool for measuring technical efficiency and identifying input-saving potentials. In addition, assessing greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural inputs is critical for mitigating climate change. Accordingly, this study integrates energy, economic, efficiency, and environmental analyses to evaluate and optimize the canola production system in Mehran County. Materials and Methods Data were collected from 32 canola-producing farmers in Mehran County using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Quantities of all inputs and outputs were converted into energy equivalents based on standard coefficients. Energy indices, including energy efficiency, energy productivity, energy intensity, and net energy, were calculated to assess system performance and resource use efficiency. Economic indicators such as total production cost, gross income, net profit, and benefit-to-cost ratio were estimated to evaluate economic viability. Sensitivity analysis and the Cobb–Douglas production function were employed to determine the contribution and elasticity of different inputs to crop yield. Technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were estimated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) under constant and variable returns to scale. Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄) related to fuel, fertilizer, and electricity consumption were calculated, and global warming potential (GWP) was estimated to assess the environmental effects of input optimization. Results and Discussion The results indicated that diesel fuel and electricity consumption accounted for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential in the canola production system. Optimization of input use, particularly through reducing excessive labor, nitrogen fertilizer, and electricity consumption and improving diesel fuel and phosphorus fertilizer management, led to a substantial reduction in CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions. Consequently, the GWP of the production system decreased significantly, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted energy management strategies. DEA results revealed that a considerable number of farms operated below the efficiency frontier due to technical or scale inefficiencies. Adjusting input use enabled these farms to achieve optimal efficiency levels and resulted in potential energy savings of approximately 15–35% without reducing yield. These findings confirm that efficiency improvement can simultaneously enhance economic performance and environmental sustainability. Conclusion This study evaluated energy consumption, economic performance, and environmental impacts of the canola production system in Mehran County. Diesel fuel and electricity were identified as the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential, emphasizing the importance of managing energy-intensive inputs. Optimizing input use specially reducing excessive labor, nitrogen fertilizer, and electricity consumption while improving diesel fuel and phosphorus fertilizer management significantly reduced CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions and lowered GWP. DEA results showed that many farms were technically or scale inefficient, and appropriate input adjustments could save 15–35% of energy without compromising yield. Sensitivity analysis using the Cobb–Douglas production function further confirmed the overuse of some inputs and the potential for yield improvement through optimal input allocation. Overall, integrating energy, economic, efficiency, and environmental analyses provides a practical and robust framework for improving the sustainability of mechanized canola production systems.Therefore, it is recommended that agricultural policies in the Mehran region focus on reducing the consumption of energy-intensive inputs, particularly diesel fuel and electricity, and replacing them with more efficient alternatives. Furthermore, organizing training courses for farmers on integrated input management and the use of efficiency analysis can serve as an effective step toward achieving sustainable canola production with minimal environmental consequences. استفاده مؤثر و کارآمد از انرژی در سامانه‌های تولید محصولات کشاورزی یکی از ارکان اساسی دستیابی به کشاورزی پایدار و کاهش پیامدهای زیست‌محیطی محسوب می‌شود. هدف از این پژوهش، تحلیل مصرف انرژی، تحلیل حساسیت، بهینه‌سازی نهاده‌ها و بررسی آلایندگی‌های زیست‌محیطی سامانه تولید کلزا در شهرستان مهران بود. داده‌های مورد نیاز از طریق تکمیل پرسش‌نامه و مصاحبه حضوری با کشاورزان منطقه جمع‌آوری شد و مقادیر نهاده‌ها و ستانده‌ها به معادل انرژی تبدیل گردید. شاخص‌های انرژی شامل کارایی، بهره‌وری، شدت و انرژی خالص محاسبه شد، نتایج نشان داد کارایی و بهره‌وری انرژی به ترتیب برابر با 09/1 و 04/0 کیلوگرم بر مگاژول است. نتایج تحلیل حساسیت با استفاده از تابع تولید کاب–داگلاس نشان داد نهاده‌های ماشین‌آلات، سوخت دیزل، کود فسفر، آب آبیاری، سموم شیمیایی و بذر بر عملکرد محصول تأثیر مثبت و نهاده‌های نیروی انسانی، کود نیتروژن و الکتریسیته تأثیر منفی دارند. نتایج تحلیل پوششی داده‌ها (DEA) در شرایط بازگشت به مقیاس ثابت و متغیر نشان داد میانگین کارایی فنی، کارایی فنی خالص و کارایی مقیاس به ترتیب 45/87، 23/96 و 75/90 درصد است که بیانگر وجود ناکارایی فنی و مقیاس در بخش قابل توجهی از مزارع می‌باشد. همچنین مصرف نهادههای سوخت دیزل با 24/1605 مگاژول در هکتار بیشترین و کود فسفر با 11/13 مگاژول در هکتار کمترین میزان مازاد مصرف را جهت بهینه‌سازی نهاده‌ها به خود اختصاص داده‌اند. بررسی انتشار گازهای گلخانه‌ای نشان داد مصرف الکتریسیته و سوخت دیزل به ترتیب در شرایط مرسوم 21/4749 و 16/706 کیلوگرم معادل دی‌اکسیدکربن در هکتار بوده که پس از بهینه‌سازی مصرف نهاده‌ها این مقادیر به ترتیب به 44/4392 و 25/588 کیلوگرم معادل دی‌اکسیدکربن در هکتار کاهش یافت. نتایج نشان می‌دهد بهینه‌سازی مصرف نهاده‌ها علاوه بر بهبود کارایی انرژی و اقتصادی، نقش مؤثری در کاهش آلایندگی‌های زیست‌محیطی و پتانسیل گرمایش جهانی سامانه تولید کلزا دارد.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22315_0c54aee925247029f4650e2c65b8cef2.pdf

دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 06 22 Monitoring Changes in the Concentration of Orange microRNAs During Storage Using a Multiplexed Optical Biosensor Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer پایش تغییر غلظت ترکیبات MicroRNA پرتقال در دوره انبارمانی به کمک یک بیوسنسور نوری مالتی‌پلکس مبتنی بر انتقال انرژی رزونانسی فورستر 29 39 22318 10.22034/jam.2026.72144.1360 FA کیوان آصف پور وکیلیان گروه مهندسی مکانیک بیوسیستم، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی گرگان، گرگان، ایران. 0000-0001-5035-7727 Journal Article 2026 04 27 Introduction Agricultural products undergo morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes during transportation and storage. Measuring these changes can help assess mechanical damage and storage quality, although many indicators are not always specific to particular treatments or conditions. In recent years, researchers have explored the role of microRNAs as biomarkers for evaluating postharvest quality in fruit such as tomatoes, bananas, pears, and peaches. microRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules (17–23 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression and play a key role in fruit development and quality. Specific microRNAs, including miRNA397 and miRNA828, are particularly important in determining the storage quality of oranges. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a widely used technique in microRNA biosensing due to its simplicity and high sensitivity. It involves energy transfer between two light-sensitive molecules. This study aims to develop an optical FRET-based biosensor capable of simultaneously detecting miRNA397 and miRNA828 in orange fruit tissue. The innovation lies in applying this method to fruit tissues and evaluating its performance for monitoring fruit quality during cold storage of orange fruit. Materials and Methods For biosensor construction, HPLC-purified oligonucleotide sequences, the nucleic acid dye TOTO, and fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides (Cy3 and Cy5) were obtained from Sangon Biotech (China). Complementary oligonucleotides (probes) and fluorescent-labeled sequences were designed to hybridize with the target microRNAs, forming stable nucleic acid duplexes. In this system, hybridization between the target microRNA and complementary probes produces double-stranded nucleic acids that enable a fluorescence-based detection mechanism. The intercalating dye TOTO binds to these duplexes and, when excited at 440 nm, emits a broad fluorescence spectrum between 500 and 700 nm. This emission acts as an energy donor that excites Cy3 and Cy5 fluorophores, leading to FRET. As microRNA concentration increases, hybridization efficiency and fluorescence intensity also increase, enabling quantitative analysis. The system allows simultaneous detection of two target microRNAs because Cy3 and Cy5 have distinct excitation and emission spectra. Cy3 and Cy5 have absorption peaks at 550 and 650 nm, and emission peaks at 570 and 670 nm, respectively. A total of 63 fresh, uniform oranges were collected from a farm near Gorgan (Golestan Province) and transported to the laboratory. The fruit were stored under three temperature conditions (2, 4, and 6 °C) and seven storage periods (0 to 30 days), following a completely randomized design with three replications. Total RNA, including microRNAs, was extracted from fruit tissues using the TRIzol method, involving phase separation with phenol–chloroform and RNA precipitation with isopropanol. Hybridization reactions were performed in PBS buffer, followed by incubation and addition of TOTO dye. Fluorescence signals were measured using a portable spectrometer at 440 nm excitation. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test (5% significance level) in MATLAB 2018b, with P < 0.05 considered significant, enabling evaluation of storage temperature and time effects on microRNA expression. Results and Discussion The biosensor response, in the form of relative fluorescence intensity, increased with rising microRNA concentration. A wide linear detection range was obtained from 0 to 9 pM, indicating strong analytical performance. The system showed acceptable reproducibility, with low standard deviation values across measurements, demonstrating stable and reproducible biosensor behavior. Recovery experiments were performed by spiking known amounts of microRNA (20–200 fM) into total RNA extracted from orange samples. The biosensor achieved recovery rates mainly between 95% and 110%, indicating acceptable accuracy. At lower concentrations (20 fM), higher variability was observed, reflecting reduced accuracy near the detection limit. At higher concentrations, recovery became more stable (approximately 97–106%), confirming improved reliability in moderate and high concentration ranges. Biological results showed that both miRNA397 and miRNA828 levels decreased over the 30-day storage period, suggesting gradual changes in gene expression during postharvest storage. The decline was most pronounced during the first 10 days, likely due to rapid physiological changes, followed by a slower decrease. Lower storage temperatures (2 and 4 °C) helped better preserve microRNA levels compared to 6 °C, although differences were not extreme. From a biological perspective, miRNA397 is associated with lignin biosynthesis by regulating laccase genes; its reduction may increase lignification and fruit firmness, contributing to quality loss. miRNA828 regulates MYB transcription factors involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin pathways, so its decline may affect phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. Overall, the biosensor effectively captured both analytical performance and biologically meaningful changes during fruit storage, demonstrating its potential for postharvest quality monitoring. Conclusion Conventional microRNA measurement methods often suffer from low sensitivity, limited linear range, and insufficient accuracy, leading to increased interest in biosensor technologies. Biosensors offer advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid response, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them strong alternatives. In this study, a FRET-based optical biosensor was developed to simultaneously detect two key microRNAs (miRNA397 and miRNA828) in postharvest oranges. Using a single excitation wavelength, the system enabled selective and accurate detection through probe hybridization. Results showed that microRNA levels significantly decreased over 30 days of cold storage, indicating fruit quality deterioration and confirming the biosensor’s effectiveness for rapid quality monitoring. امروزه، اندازه‌گیری غلظت ترکیبات microRNA در میوه‌ها به عنوان یک روش کارآمد برای بررسی کیفیت محصولات کشاورزی معرفی شده است. با این حال، روش‌های موجود برای اندازه‌گیری این ترکیبات، از جمله واکنش زنجیره‌ای پلیمراز و میکروآرایه‌ها، زمان‌بر و گران بوده و امکان اندازه‌گیری همزمان چندین ترکیب microRNA را فراهم نمی‌کنند. در این مطالعه، یک بیوسنسور مبتنی بر انتقال انرژی رزونانس فورستر رنگیزه‌های فلوئورسانس توسعه داده شد که بر اساس هیبریداسیون پراب‌های اولیگونوکلئوتیدی برچسب‌دار شده با این رنگیزه‌ها و ترکیبات microRNA هدف در حضور نور با طول موج تحریک، سیگنال نوری متناسب با غلظت ترکیبات مورد اندازه‌گیری را تولید می‌کند. روش کار بیوسنسور بر اساس تحریک رنگیزه دی‌مری تیازول اورنج در طول موج 440 نانومتر بود که باعث تولید طیف گسترده فلوئورسانس در بازه 500 تا 700 نانومتر می‌شد. در ادامه، دو رنگیزه فلوئورسانس Cy3 و Cy5 که طول موج تحریک آنها در این بازه است، باعث تابش قوی در طول موج‌های به ترتیب 570 و 670 نانومتر می‌شدند که شدت تابش متناسب با غلظت ترکیبات microRNA مورد اندازه‌گیری بود. از این بیوسنسور برای اندازه‌گیری هم‌زمان (مالتی‌پلکس) ترکیبات miRNA397 و miRNA828 در پرتقال که نقش مهمی در ویژگی‌های انبارمانی این میوه دارند، استفاده شد. نتایج نشان داد که بیوسنسور توسعه‌یافته دارای دقت مناسب (خطای بازیابی کمتر از 10 درصد)، بازه خطی وسیع (تا حداکثر 9 پیکومولار)، و بازتولیدپذیری قابل قبول ست. نتایج این پژوهش همچنین نشان‌دهنده کاهش معنادار غلظت هر دو ترکیب microRNA مورد بررسی در طول دوره انبارمانی سرد به مدت 30 روز بود. یافته‌های این مطالعه، کاربرد بیوسنسورهای مبتنی بر انتقال انرژی رزونانس فورستر را در ارزیابی سریع و قابل اعتماد کیفیت میوه در طول دوره انبارداری آشکار می‌کند.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22318_7ac5b14148374ffa6364e73a77ee8dbb.pdf

دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 06 22 Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Minimum Tillage and No-Tillage on Corn Yield in Iran فراتحلیل اثر کم‌خاک‌ورزی و بی‌خاک‌ورزی بر عملکرد ذرت در ایران 41 56 22328 10.22034/jam.2026.70772.1350 FA احمد حیدری بخش تحقیقات فنی و مهندسی کشاورزی، مرکز تحقیقات و آموزش کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی استان همدان، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، سعید عباسی بخش تحقیقات فنی و مهندسی کشاورزی، مرکز تحقیقات و آموزش کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی استان همدان، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، Journal Article 2025 12 17 The effects of different tillage methods on corn yield have been investigated in several studies. However, most of these studies cover only small geographical areas (field experiments in one region) and sometimes yield contradictory and incomplete results. The present study aims to investigate the effect of conservation tillage (minimum tillage and no- tillage) on corn yield (grain and silage) by synthesizing national research and applying the meta-analysis method. For this purpose, articles, research reports and graduate theses were reviewed between 1991 and 2025 using keywords related to tillage in corn production. After quality control, 17 studies comparing reduced tillage with conventional tillage and 14 studies comparing no tillage with conventional tillage were included in the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Based on the results obtained, the overall effect size for reduced tillage (SMD=+0.57), it can be concluded that this method increased corn yield compared to conventional tillage. minimum tillage increased grain and silage yields by 6.41 and 4.80 percent, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. Conversely, considering the effect size for no-tillage (SMD=-0.88), it can be concluded that this method reduced corn yield compared to conventional tillage. No-tillage decreased grain and silage yields by 8.55 and 5.51 percent, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. The use of minimum tillage and no-tillage method in corn cultivation requires further and long-term research. Introduction The continuous use of conventional tillage (plowing with a moldboard plow) in agricultural fields has led to increased soil erosion and reduced soil fertility. Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in Iran. The country’s annual erosion rate is estimated at 895 million tonnes (equivalent to 5.5 tonnes per hectare per year), while the global average annual rate is 2.2 tonnes per hectare. Soil erosion affects soil quality and crop yield. In conventional farming systems (commonly used in Iran), the effects of erosion on yield are directly related to the reduction in the amount of water that can be stored in the soil and made available by plants. To overcome this problem, conservation agriculture, which includes: (1) no or minimal soil manipulation, (2) permanent soil cover with plant residues, and (3) plant diversity and adherence to crop rotation principles, is recommended. The effectiveness of conservation agriculture in controlling runoff and soil erosion has been proven, and it is expected to ultimately have a positive effect on crop yield. The effect of different tillage methods on corn yield under Iranian conditions has been investigated in several studies. However, most of these studies cover only limited areas (field experiments in one region), which sometimes have contradictory and incomplete results. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of conservation tillage (minimum tillage and no- tillage) on corn yield by synthesizing national studies with meta-analysis method. Materials and Methods This research aims to investigate the effect of minimum tillage and no-tillage on yield of corn using national studies and research and applying the meta-analysis method. For this purpose, articles, research reports and graduate theses between 1991 and 2025 were reviewed using keywords related to tillage in corn. Finally, after quality control, 17 studies were selected to compare minimum tillage method with conventional tillage and 14 studies were selected to compare no-tillage with conventional tillage using a random effects model. The data required for meta-analysis are the treatment mean ( standard deviation ), and the number of replicates or sample size (n) in the experimental design. In data analysis, the standardized mean difference parameter, which is a key measure of effect size, was used between the control treatment (conventional tillage) and the experiment (conservation tillage). Results and Discussion Based on the results obtained, the effect size for the minimum tillage method (SMD=+0.57) indicates that the minimum tillage method has increased corn yield compared to conventional tillage. Minimum tillage increased grain yield by 6.41 % compared to conventional tillage. The average total yield of grain corn in conventional tillage and minimum tillage methods was 8244.6 and 8871.9 kg/ha, respectively. After weighting each yield, the average weighted yield of conventional tillage and minimum tillage methods was 740.3 and 787.7, respectively. Also, minimum tillage increased the yield of silage corn by 4.80% compared to conventional tillage. The average total yield of forage corn in the conventional tillage and minimum tillage methods is 51822.6 and 55940.6 kg/ha, respectively. After weighting each yield, the average weighted yield of the conventional tillage and minimum tillage methods was 7748.7 and 8120.8, respectively. The probability values in the Begg and Egger method (for estimating publication bias) were 0.002 and 0.037, respectively (less than 10 percent), which allows us to conclude that there is evidence of publication bias in studies comparing the minimum tillage method with conventional tillage in corn production. Considering the effect size of the no-till method (SMD = -0.88), it can be concluded that the no-till method has reduced corn yield compared to the conventional tillage method. No-till reduced the yield of grain corn by 8.55% compared to conventional tillage. The average total yield of grain corn in the conventional tillage and no-till methods is 8903.3 and 7980.2 kg/ha, respectively. After weighting to each of the yields, the average weighted yield of the conventional tillage and no-till methods was 1116.5 and 1021.0, respectively. Also, no-till reduced the yield of silage corn by 5.51% compared to conventional tillage. The average total yield of silage corn in the conventional tillage and no-tillage methods is 56449.3 and 53205.2 kg/ha, respectively. After weighting each yield, the average weighted yield of the conventional tillage and no-tillage methods was 9421.5 and 8902.5, respectively. The probability values in the Begg and Egger method (for estimating publication bias) were 0.09 and 0.055, respectively (less than 10 percent), which allows us to conclude that there is evidence of publication bias in studies comparing no-till with conventional tillage in corn production. Conclusion The minimum tillage method increased the yield of grain corn (6.41%) and silage corn (4.80%) compared to the conventional tillage method, whereas the no-tillage method decreased the yield of grain corn (-8.55%) and silage corn (-5.51%). The use of minimum tillage and no-till methods in corn farming requires further and long-term research. اثر روشهای مختلف خاکورزی بر عملکرد ذرت در مطالعات متعددی بررسی شده است. بیشتر مطالعات انجام شده فقط یک محدوده کوچک ( آزمایشهای مزرعهای در یک منطقه) را پوشش میدهند که بعضاً دارای نتایج ضد و نقیض میباشند. هدف از این تحقیق، فراتحلیل اثر خاکورزی حفاظتی (کمخاکورزی و بیخاکورزی) بر عملکرد ذرت (دانهای و علوفهای) با استفاده از مطالعات انجام شده در ایران است. بدینمنظور مقالهها، گزارشهای پژوهشی و پایاننامههای دانشجویی در فاصلۀ زمانی 1370 تا 1404 با استفاده از واژههای کلیدی مرتبط با خاکورزی در محصول ذرت مرور شد. پس از کنترل کیفی، 17 مطالعه برای مقایسۀ کمخاکورزی با خاکورزی رایج و 14 مطالعه برای مقایسه روش بیخاکورزی با خاکورزی رایج با استفاده از مدل تصادفی وارد فرایند فراتحلیل شدند. بر اساس نتایج بهدست آمده، با توجه به مقدار اندازه اثر کُل (57/0+=SMD) و فاصله اطمینان 95 درصد (92/0 ، 21/0) در روش کمخاکورزی میتوان نتیجه گرفت که روش کمخاکورزی در مقایسه با روش خاکورزی رایج باعث افزایش معنیدار عملکرد ذرت شده است. کمخاکورزی نسبت به خاکورزی رایج عملکرد ذرت دانهای و علوفهای را به ترتیب 41/6 و 80/4 درصد افزایش داد. همچنین با توجه به مقدار اندازه اثر کُل (88/0- =SMD) و فاصله اطمینان 95 درصد (12/0- ، 65/1-) در روش بیخاکورزی میتوان نتیجه گرفت که روش بیخاکورزی در مقایسه با روش خاکورزی رایج باعث کاهش معنیدار عملکرد ذرت شده است. بیخاکورزی نسبت به خاکورزی رایج عملکرد ذرت دانهای و عملکرد ذرت علوفهای را به ترتیب 55/8 و 51/5 درصد کاهش داد. استفاده از روش کمخاکورزی و بیخاکورزی در زراعت ذرت نیاز به تحقیقات بیشتر و درازمدت دارد.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22328_5247b2c91700115a3e71d651598c93f7.pdf

دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 06 22 Evaluating Harvesting Methods and Moisture Content for Effective Mung Bean Production Evaluating Harvesting Methods and Moisture Content for Effective Mung Bean Production 57 71 22341 10.22034/jam.2026.68089.1334 FA محمد منصوری فر گروه مهندسی مکانیزاسیون و بیوسیستم، واحد شوشتر، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، شوشتر، ایران. هادی سعدی گروه مهندسی ماشین‌های کشاورزی و مکانیزاسیون، دانشکده مهندسی کشاورزی و توسعه روستایی، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی خوزستان، محمود قاسمی نژاد رائینی گروه مهندسی ماشین‌های کشاورزی و مکانیزاسیون، دانشکده مهندسی کشاورزی و توسعه روستایی، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی خوزستان، علی کعب گروه مهندسی ماشین های کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی کرج، دانشگاه تهران Journal Article 2025 07 11 This study investigates the impact of various harvesting techniques and seed moisture levels on the yield and quality of mung beans, aiming to optimize production efficiency through a better understanding of mechanical and physiological interactions. The research identified that manual harvesting at 20% seed moisture achieved the highest yield of 1012.20 kg ha⁻¹, a result primarily driven by the synergy between gentler manual handling and decreased mechanical friction at higher moisture levels, which effectively prevented pod shattering and minimized grain loss during collection. Conversely, the lowest yield of 946.80 kg ha⁻¹ was recorded during direct combine harvesting at 12% moisture; this significant decline is attributed to the increased brittleness of drier seeds, making them highly susceptible to mechanical impact and breakage under high-speed machine operation, which consequently elevated both shattering losses and product impurities. These findings demonstrate that the interaction between harvesting methods and moisture content significantly influences grain integrity, highlighting that aligning mechanical intervention with seed physiology is crucial for maximizing output. Consequently, adopting evidence-based harvesting practices that account for these underlying biological and mechanical mechanisms is essential for enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of mung bean cultivation. This study investigates the impact of various harvesting techniques and seed moisture levels on the yield and quality of mung beans, aiming to optimize production efficiency through a better understanding of mechanical and physiological interactions. The research identified that manual harvesting at 20% seed moisture achieved the highest yield of 1012.20 kg ha⁻¹, a result primarily driven by the synergy between gentler manual handling and decreased mechanical friction at higher moisture levels, which effectively prevented pod shattering and minimized grain loss during collection. Conversely, the lowest yield of 946.80 kg ha⁻¹ was recorded during direct combine harvesting at 12% moisture; this significant decline is attributed to the increased brittleness of drier seeds, making them highly susceptible to mechanical impact and breakage under high-speed machine operation, which consequently elevated both shattering losses and product impurities. These findings demonstrate that the interaction between harvesting methods and moisture content significantly influences grain integrity, highlighting that aligning mechanical intervention with seed physiology is crucial for maximizing output. Consequently, adopting evidence-based harvesting practices that account for these underlying biological and mechanical mechanisms is essential for enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of mung bean cultivation.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22341_175209d68edf558822f1f3fef524516b.pdf

دانشگاه تبریز نشریه مکانیزاسیون کشاورزی 2383-126X 11 2 2026 06 22 Design and Development of a Black Tea Rolling Machine Using the Orthodox Method طراحی و ساخت دستگاه مالش چای سیاه به روش ارتدکس 73 81 22369 10.22034/jam.2026.70539.1348 FA مصطفی مهدوی گروه مهندسی مکانیک بیوسیستم، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی گرگان، گرگان، ایران. محسن آزادبخت گروه مهندسی مکانیک بیوسیستم، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی گرگان، گرگان، ایران. احمد عباس زاده مایوان گروه مهندسی مکانیک بیوسیستم، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی گرگان، گرگان، ایران. Journal Article 2025 12 04 Background and Objectives The Iranian tea industry, historically a significant agricultural sector, has faced progressive decline due to structural challenges, including technological obsolescence, monopolistic marketing systems, and limited accessibility of modern processing equipment for smallholder farmers. A critical bottleneck lies in the rolling stage, a decisive phase in Orthodox black tea production that directly influences leaf morphology, enzymatic oxidation, and final sensory quality. Existing industrial rolling machines predominantly require three-phase electricity, operate at large batch capacities (typically >100 kg), and are economically and technically inaccessible to rural households. Consequently, most small-scale growers are forced to sell raw green leaves at low prices, foregoing value addition and fair profit margins. This study was undertaken to design, simulate, fabricate, and evaluate a low-cost, single-phase, household-scale black tea rolling machine based on the Orthodox method, specifically tailored for rural tea farmers in northern Iran. The primary objectives were: (1) to enable on-farm processing using only 220 V single-phase grid power; (2) to replicate the leaf curling and minimal fragmentation characteristic of hand-rolled Orthodox tea; (3) to ensure structural integrity through finite element analysis; and (4) to quantify improvements in processing time, product quality, and economic feasibility compared to conventional methods. Materials and Methods The development process integrated field observation, mechanical design, computational simulation, and empirical validation. Initial design requirements were established through field visits to tea processing factories in Gilan Province and consultations with industry technicians and farmers. A prototype with a 10 kg batch capacity was conceptualized and modeled in SolidWorks 2022, incorporating key components: a rotating perforated cylinder (31 cm internal diameter, 45 cm height), a crank–rocker mechanism for variable rotational motion, a removable perforated pressure plate, and a modular steel frame. The drive system consisted of a 0.75 kW (1 HP) single-phase induction motor, a B-type industrial belt, and a worm gearbox (VF-N 62, ratio 1:19) to deliver sufficient torque at low speed. To calibrate processing parameters, three pressure levels (7.4 kg, 20.2 kg, and 45.9 kg) were applied via calibrated weights, corresponding to surface pressures of 100, 270, and 600 kg/m²—aligned with literature-reported optimal ranges for Orthodox rolling. Structural validation was performed using finite element analysis (FEA) in Abaqus 2021. Critical load-bearing components—gusset plates, the triangular crank-mounted plate, the cylinder support belt, and the pressure cylinder—were subjected to simulated operational loads (up to 51.3 kg force). Material properties of ST37 mild steel were assigned (density: 7850 kg/m³, Young’s modulus: 210 GPa, Poisson’s ratio: 0.3). Additionally, torque requirements were determined experimentally: the minimum force needed to initiate rotation of a 10 kg fresh tea load was measured using a pulley–weight system, yielding a baseline for motor selection. The final prototype was fabricated in the university workshop using standardized industrial practices, with safety features including an emergency stop and a protective crank guard. Results FEA results demonstrated exceptional structural robustness: the maximum von Mises stress was 9.233 MPa, maximum strain was 3.051 µε, and maximum displacement was 0.062 mm—all significantly below the yield strength of ST37 steel (235 MPa), ensuring a safety factor exceeding 25. Torque analysis confirmed that the selected motor and transmission system (delivering ~0.55 kgf·m at the crank) comfortably met the experimental requirement of 9.8 N per kg of fresh tea. Performance evaluation revealed that the machine successfully produced Orthodox-style rolled tea with uniform leaf curling, minimal fragmentation (<5%), and preserved leaf integrity, closely matching hand-rolled reference samples in appearance. Sensory assessments by trained panelists indicated that tea processed at 20.2 kg pressure (270 kg/m²) yielded the most desirable aroma and flavor profile—rich, floral, and less astringent than factory-processed CTC tea—aligning with findings from Heping et al. (2015). Crucially, the device reduced processing time from 40 minutes (manual rolling) to 25 minutes, while operating solely on 220 V single-phase electricity. Material optimization indicated that 4 mm steel sheets were optimal for gusset plates and the crank plate, 3 mm for the cylinder belt, and 2 mm for the pressure cylinder, with a 21 mm hole diameter ensuring secure fastening. Conclusion This study successfully developed and validated a practical, affordable, and technically sound household-scale Orthodox black tea rolling machine. By enabling smallholder farmers to process their own tea using accessible single-phase power, the device directly addresses core challenges of value retention, technological exclusion, and economic marginalization in Iran’s tea sector. The machine not only replicates traditional hand-rolling quality but also enhances efficiency and consistency. It represents a scalable model for decentralized, sustainable agro-processing that empowers rural producers, reduces post-harvest losses, and revitalizes local craftsmanship. Future work should focus on full automation, integration with withering and drying units, and quantitative chemical analysis (e.g., theaflavin content) to further validate quality enhancements. This innovation holds significant potential for replication in other tea-producing regions facing similar constraints. صنعت چای ایران در سال‌های اخیر با چالش‌های متعددی از جمله انحصار تولید، فرسودگی ماشین‌آلات و عدم دسترسی کشاورزان به فناوری‌های مناسب مواجه است. یکی از مهم‌ترین مراحل فرآوری چای سیاه، مرحله مالش به روش ارتدکس است که در دستگاه‌های موجود عمدتاً با برق سه‌فاز و در مقیاس صنعتی انجام می‌شود و برای کاربری خانگی مناسب نیست. در این پژوهش، یک دستگاه مالش چای سیاه با ظرفیت 10 کیلوگرم، مبتنی بر روش ارتدکس و قابل استفاده در شرایط خانگی (با برق تک‌فاز 220 ولت) طراحی و ساخته شد. طراحی مفهومی دستگاه با الهام از ماشین‌آلات صنعتی و با استفاده از نرم‌افزار سالیدورکز 2022 انجام گرفت. برای اطمینان از استحکام سازه، تحلیل تنش با روش المان محدود در نرم‌افزار آباکوس 2021 انجام و ضخامت بهینه ورق‌های فولادی (2 تا 4 میلی‌متر) تعیین شد. سیستم محرکه شامل موتور القایی 75/0 کیلوواتی، گیربکس حلزونی با نسبت 1:19 و سیستم لنگی-شفت برای ایجاد حرکت دورانی متغیر طراحی گردید. همچنین، سه سطح فشار (4/7، 2/20 و 9/45 کیلوگرم) بر اساس استانداردهای علمی اعمال شد تا شرایط بهینه مالش شبیه‌سازی گردد. نتایج نشان داد که دستگاه قادر به تولید چایی با کیفیت حسی و فیزیکی قابل‌مقایسه با روش دستی است، در حالی که هزینه و زمان فرآوری را به‌طور چشمگیری کاهش می‌دهد. این دستگاه می‌تواند به‌عنوان راهکاری کارآمد برای توانمندسازی کشاورزان و ایجاد کارگاه‌های کوچک خانگی مورد استفاده قرار گیرد.

https://jam.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_22369_2a8bd5f072b99b1c2786814e23f8859b.pdf