Journal of the ASABE最新文献

{"title":"Can Woodchip Bioreactors Be Used at a Catchment Scale? Nitrate Performance and Sediment Considerations","authors":"G. Feyereisen, E. Ghane, T. W. Schumacher, B. Dalzell, M. Williams","doi":"10.13031/ja.15496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15496","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights Novel three-bed, cascading-inlet bioreactor treated agricultural drainage from a 249-ha catchment. Nitrate removal rates and load reduction efficiencies were similar to those of traditional single-field bioreactors. Sedimentation problems reduced bed life; a sediment sensing and exclusion system solved them. This scale provides opportunities for centralized management and nutrient reduction verification. Abstract. Denitrifying bioreactors, a structural practice deployed at the field scale to meet water quality goals, have been underutilized and require additional evaluation at the small catchment scale. The objective of this study was to quantify the performance of a large, multi-bed denitrifying bioreactor system sized to treat agricultural drainage runoff (combined drainage discharge and surface runoff) from a 249-ha catchment. Three woodchip bioreactor beds, 7.6 m wide by 41 m long by 1.5 m deep, with cascading inlets, were constructed in 2016 in southern Minnesota, U.S. The beds received runoff for one water year from a catchment area that is 91% tile-drained row crops, primarily maize and soybeans. Initial woodchip quality differed among the three beds, affecting flow and nitrate removal rates. Bioreactor flow was unimpeded by sediment for twelve events from September 2016 to July 2017, during which time 55% of the discharge from the catchment was treated in the bioreactor beds. Average daily nitrate removal rates ranged from 2.5 to 6.5 g-N m-3 d-1 for the three bioreactor beds, with nitrate-N load removal of flow through the beds between 19% and 27%. When accounting for untreated by-pass flow, the overall nitrate-N removal of the multi-bed system was 12.5% (713 kg N). During high-flow events, incoming sediment clogged the reactor beds, decreasing their performance. There was 4,520 kg of sediment trapped in one bed, and evidence suggests the other two trapped a similar load. To solve this problem and prolong the bioreactor’s lifespan, we installed a shutoff gate that activated when inflow turbidity exceeded a threshold value. Finally, the findings indicate that catchment-scale denitrifying bioreactors can successfully remove nitrate load from agricultural runoff, but sediment-prevention measures may be required to extend the bioreactor's lifespan. Keywords: Bioreactor, Denitrification, Nitrate removal, Sedimentation, Subsurface drainage.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86312244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alkali Lignin-Based Hydrogel: Synthesis, Characterization, and Impact on Soil Water Retention From Near Saturation to Dryness","authors":"Toby A. Adjuik, S. Nokes, M. Montross, O. Wendroth, R. Walton","doi":"10.13031/ja.15207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15207","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights A lignin-based hydrogel was synthesized and shown to possess a swelling ratio of 2013%. The hydrogel contained important hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and macropores for water retention. The hydrogel improved soil water retention in silt loam soil at high matric potentials and in the dry soil range. Increasing hydrogel concentration increased water retention in a loamy fine sand soil at high and low matric potentials. Abstract. Superabsorbent polymers (hydrogels) have been proposed as soil amendments to increase the amount of plant-available water in the soil. Synthetic hydrogels have been widely investigated for use in agriculture. Due to increasing environmental concerns related to synthetic hydrogels, naturally sourced hydrogels are of interest because of their potential for increased biodegradability and biocompatibility. A lignin-based hydrogel was synthesized for this study, and its swelling properties and water absorption capacity were determined. The hydrogel was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas pycnometry. A hanging water column, pressure plate apparatus, and dew point potentiometer were used to measure the soil water retention curve from saturation to oven-dryness for silt loam and loamy fine sand soils after amendment with the lignin-based hydrogel. Results showed a maximum swelling ratio in deionized water of 2013% of the hydrogel’s original mass, 1092% in tap water, and 825% in a 0.9% NaCl solution. The FTIR spectra of the hydrogel showed the presence of O-H bonds from the lignin structure, which renders the hydrogel reactive to a crosslinker and forms insoluble bonds, thereby allowing the hydrogel to swell when exposed to water. SEM images of the lignin hydrogels indicate large macropores, which allowed for water absorption. Applying hydrogels significantly increased the soil's water-holding capacity at 0.3% (w/w) treatment. Hydrogel treatment significantly increased water retention at saturation or near saturation by 0.12 cm3 cm-3 and at field capacity by 0.08 cm3 cm-3 for silt loam soil at 1% (w/w) treatment compared to the control treatment with no added lignin hydrogel. Hydrogel application increased water retention over the range of the soil water retention curve from -3 to -15,000 cm for the loamy fine sand soil at 1% (w/w) treatment. However, the application of lignin-based hydrogel did not affect plant available water capacity (PAWC) in either soil tested. These results serve as preliminary evidence upon which further lignin-based hydrogel amendment studies could be built by testing higher concentrations of hydrogel in the soil. Keywords: Lignin, Soil water retention curve, Super absorbent polymers, Swelling capacity, Water retention.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87426483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Drain Spacing Tool That Estimates the Optimum Subsurface Drain Spacing for Maximum Profit","authors":"E. Ghane, A. Nejadhashemi, Ian Kropp","doi":"10.13031/ja.15406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15406","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights An empirical equation was embedded in a user-friendly tool to estimate the site-specific design drainage rate. The site-specific design drainage rate was based on the local soil, weather, and economics of the area of interest. The tool uses the site-specific design drainage rate to estimate the optimum drain spacing. The optimum drain spacing maximizes the economic return on investment. Abstract. Properly estimating the subsurface drain spacing is critical to optimizing crop production. The Hooghoudt equation can be used in humid climates to approximate the drain spacing. However, the application of this equation has been limited due to site-specific data requirements and because it is a complicated process that is not usually practical for practitioners. Traditionally, drainage contractors have chosen a drain spacing without using the Hooghoudt equation. The objective of this article is to develop a user-friendly decision-support tool that estimates the site-specific optimum drain spacing for maximum economic return on investment. We developed the Drain Spacing Tool for the Midwest USA based on the Hooghoudt equation and site-specific inputs. The tool automatically acquires the site-specific equivalent saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil profile and depth to the restrictive layer from the gSSURGO database, and the user manually enters the desired drain depth. The site-specific input of design drainage rate (DDR), that is required in the Hooghoudt equation, is estimated from an empirical equation that was developed from a DRAINMOD modeling study. The site-specific inputs for the empirical equation include site-specific 30-year average growing-season rainfall, drain depth, equivalent saturated hydraulic conductivity, and depth to the restrictive layer, all of which are automatically acquired from gSSURGO, except for the rainfall data, which was acquired from the PRISM Climate Group. The site-specific DDR value from the empirical equation was then used in the Hooghoudt equation to estimate the optimum drain spacing that maximizes economic return on investment. In conclusion, the tool estimates the site-specific optimum drain spacing based on the local soil, weather, and economics of the area of interest. Keywords: Decision-support tool, Design drainage rate, DRAINMOD, Farm profitability, Tile drainage.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82153930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Terminal Velocity of Wheat Stem Nodes versus Internodes for Similar Particle Dimensions","authors":"A. Womac, S. E. Klasek, D. Yoder, Doug G. Hayes","doi":"10.13031/ja.15580","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15580","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights Terminal velocities were measured for wheat stem nodes and internodes for similar particle dimensions to investigate the feasibility of aerodynamic separation. Mean measures of terminal velocities for wheat stem nodes and internodes were 4.91 and 3.35 m s-1, respectively, that coincided with values of 4.92 and 3.37 m s-1 calculated for spherical particles (Mohsenin, 1970). Wheat stem particle mass ranged from 0.015 (internode) to 0.041 g (node) that significantly correlated with terminal velocity ranging from 3.13 to 5.14 m s-1, respectively. Wheat stem particle density ranged from 112 to 297 kg m-3 that significantly correlated with terminal velocity ranging from 3.12 to 5.11 m s-1, respectively. Abstract. Efficient separation of physiological plant components potentially improved the targeting of components to best uses. The terminal velocity property used an opposing air velocity to equilibrate particle weight with the sum of the drag and buoyancy forces. This study used particles of similar dimensions to ascertain the effect of particle mass and density on experimental measures of terminal velocity in a wind tunnel and as calculated by reliable equations. Similar particle diameters, lengths, and volumes of wheat stems ranged from 0.362 to 0.376 cm, 1.25 to 1.28 cm, and 0.131 to 0.141 cm3, respectively. Moisture content was 12% wet basis. Wheat stem internodes had individual particle mass and density ranging from 0.015 to 0.019 g and 113 to 144 kg m-3, respectively, and mean Terminal Velocity Wind Tunnel (TVWT) terminal velocities for wheat stem internodes that ranged from 3.13 to 3.58 m s-1. Nodes had individual particle mass and density ranging from 0.031 to 0.041 g and 236 to 297 kg m-3, respectively, and mean TVWT terminal velocities for wheat stem nodes that ranged from 4.62 to 5.14 m s-1. Thus, no overlap in values was observed for particle mass, particle density, and terminal velocity between wheat stem internode and wheat stem node. This observation supports the potential of using terminal velocity to separate node from internode for similar-sized wheat stems at a given moisture content. Keywords: Aerodynamic separation, Anatomical component, Biomass property, Physical experiment, Sorting, Terminal velocity, Vertical wind tunnel, Wheat stem particles.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82458995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of a Multi-Sensor Capacitance Probe in Estimating Soil Water Content and Field Capacity","authors":"Mukesh Mehata, S. Datta, S. Taghvaeian, T. Ochsner, A. Mirchi, D. Moriasi","doi":"10.13031/ja.15416","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15416","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights Among six manufacturer calibrations, the default calibration resulted in the largest errors. Sensor performance was negatively affected by higher clay content and salinity. Sensor-based approaches to estimating field capacity were inconsistent and spatially variable. Abstract. Maintaining the economic and environmental sustainability of crop production requires optimizing irrigation management using advanced technologies such as soil water sensors. In this study, the performance of a commercially available multi-sensor capacitance probe was evaluated under irrigated field conditions across western Oklahoma. The effects of clay content and salinity on sensor performance were investigated too. In addition, the field capacity (FC) of soil cores collected at study sites was determined in the laboratory. These laboratory FC values were used to assess the performance of two sensor-based approaches for estimating FC: the days to reach laboratory FC after major watering events and the percentile of collected sensor readings that represented laboratory FC. The results showed that among the six calibrations provided by the manufacturer, the default and silty clay loam calibrations produced the largest and smallest soil water content errors, respectively. Errors generally increased with clay and salinity, except for the heavy clay calibration, which showed improved performance with increasing clay content. The default and sand calibrations were more sensitive to increases in clay and salinity compared to other calibrations. In the case of sensor-based FC, on average, one to three days were required to reach laboratory FC, with a large range of one to nine days. The percentiles representing laboratory FC had an average of 56% and a range of 3%-97%. Overall, the sensor-based approaches produced inconsistent and highly variable estimates of FC. Keywords: Calibrations, Clay content, Irrigation scheduling, Salinity, Sensor accuracy, Soil water threshold.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77932961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Method for Zoning Corn Based on the NDVI and the Improved SOM-K-Means Algorithm","authors":"Xiaodong Di, X. Wang","doi":"10.13031/ja.15081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15081","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77495858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Calibration and Validation of RZWQM2-P Model to Simulate Phosphorus Loss in a Clay Loam Soil in Michigan","authors":"Md Sami Bin Shokrana, E. Ghane, Z. Qi","doi":"10.13031/ja.15283","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15283","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights RZWQM2-P was tested and validated for clay loam soil using daily discharge and load data. The model performed satisfactorily in predicting hydrology and TP load, but DRP prediction was unsatisfactory. Inability of the model to simulate P loss in subsurface drainage discharge after fertilization event was one of the reasons for the unsatisfactory model performance. Abstract. Phosphorus (P) loss and transport through subsurface drainage systems is a primary focus for addressing harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems. The recent development of the phosphorus (P) routine of the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2-P) has the potential to enhance our understanding of the fate and transport of P from subsurface-drained fields to surface water. However, there is a need to test the model under different fertilization, soil, climate, and cropping conditions. The objective of this study was to test the model's performance with daily drainage discharge, dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and total phosphorus (TP) load collected from a subsurface-drained field with clay loam soil. We calibrated RZWQM2-P using two years of measured data. Subsequently, we validated RZWQM2-P using a year and nine months of measured data. We used the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) and percentage bias (PBIAS) statistics for the RZWQM2-P model evaluation. The results showed that the model performance was “good” (daily NSE = 0.66 and PBIAS = -7.16) in predicting hydrology for the calibration period. For the validation period, the hydrology prediction of the model was “very good” (daily NSE = 0.76), but it had a “satisfactory” underestimation bias (PBIAS = 23.57). The model’s performance was “unsatisfactory” in simulating DRP for both calibration (daily NSE = 0.31 and PBIAS = -61.50) and validation (daily NSE = 0.32 and PBIAS = 43.68) periods. The P model showed “satisfactory” performance in predicting TP load for both calibration (daily NSE = 0.46 and PBIAS = -32.41) and validation (daily NSE = 0.39 and PBIAS = 42.90) periods, although both periods showed “unsatisfactory” percent bias. The underperformance may have been due to the model’s inability to partition fertilizer P into different P pools under high water tables or ponding conditions when using daily data. In conclusion, the RZWQM2-P model performed well for drainage discharge with daily data, but further investigation is needed to improve the P component of the model. Keywords: Field-scale modeling, Nutrient load, Phosphorus modeling, Subsurface drainage, Tile drainage, Water Quality.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73169360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Engineering Properties of Commercially Available Hermetic Storage Bag Liners","authors":"M. Ignacio, D. Maier, K. Vorst","doi":"10.13031/ja.15366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15366","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights Fundamental engineering properties of hermetic bag liners were identified and measured to establish specifications for a new ASABE X657 standard for measurement and rating the performance of gas barrier liners in hermetic storage bags. Results showed strong evidence of differences in properties among six types of commercially available hermetic bag gas barrier liners (P<0.05). Critical gas barrier properties (OTR and WVTR) were measured to assess their ability to maintain initial conditions (“hermeticity”). Critical mechanical properties, such as impact failure weight, penetration resistance, and tear strength, were measured to determine their durability during handling and storage. Abstract. The impacts of hermetic storage bag technology on food security are well established. However, understanding the hermetic bag liner's mechanical and barrier properties with its useful life and efficacy are needed to ensure the continued successful adoption of this critically important storage technology to control biological activity. The goals of this study were to identify and quantify fundamental engineering properties as a basis for establishing an American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) engineering standard for testing and rating the hermeticity of gas barrier liners in storage bags for smallholder farmers. Six commercially available hermetic storage bag liners (AgroZ, Elite, PICS, GrainPro, Storezo, Zerofly) were evaluated for mechanical properties (tensile, impact, tear, penetration resistance) and barrier properties (oxygen transmission rate and water-vapor transmission rate) following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test methods. Results indicate significant differences (P< 0.05) in material properties among brands of storage bag liners. Values for oxygen and water vapor transmission rates were determined to ensure hermetic conditions can be achieved. Values for mechanical properties (yield and tensile strength, elongation, and toughness, tear strength, penetration resistance and impact failure weight) of gas barrier liners were quantified to ensure acceptable performance of hermetic storage bags. Keywords: Elongation, Hermetic storage, Hermetic storage bags, Impact failure weight, Oxygen Transmission Rates (OTR), Penetration resistance, Tear strength, Tensile strength, Toughness, Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), Yield strength.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73871016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of Depth Camera Potentials for Variable-Rate Sprayers","authors":"H. Jeon, Heping Zhu","doi":"10.13031/ja.15070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15070","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights A commercial depth camera with a custom-designed graphical user interface was evaluated to detect tree canopy. Measurement variations under different indoor conditions were negligible for practical applications. Measurement errors ranged from 2.8% to 15.8%, which were acceptable for outdoor applications. Variation of crabapple canopy detection rate was less than 6% from sunrise to sunset. Abstract. To reduce crop protection product use and environmental impacts while maintaining application efficacy and convenience for applicators, an automatic variable rate sprayer coupled with a canopy detection sensor is required. A commercial depth camera was tested as a means of detecting the canopy of ornamental and tree crops for the sprayer. A custom-designed graphical user interface was developed to control the depth camera and save RGB and IR images and depth data to a local computer. Indoor evaluations showed that measurements could be influenced by the temperature and illumination; however, the influence was minimal, with a relative error of less than 1% and a maximum difference of 14 mm between the average measurements. The depth camera was able to detect a 31% to 72% area of a 20-mm wide target, and the rates went up 72% to 89% when the target width increased to 40 mm. The depth camera showed acceptable performance in detecting canopy contour changes and had measurement errors of 2.8% to 15.3% while detecting the distances to outdoor crabapple and oak trees. In addition, the depth camera detected tree canopy in various outdoor conditions from sunrise to sunset with reasonable accuracy (less than 10% of relative errors). In terms of measurement stability, the depth camera detected crabapple canopy with less than 6% variations under various illuminations between sunrise and sunset. The results suggested that the performance of the depth camera was adequate for detecting canopy under outdoor conditions for future variable-rate spray applications in ornamental and tree crop production. In addition, the study outlined the performance of the depth camera, which provided a guideline for future applications. Keywords: Machine Vision, Precision Agriculture, Specialty Crop, Stereo Vision, Variable Rate Application.","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73820361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Medjool Date Fruit Bunch Image Synthesis: Towards Thinning Automation","authors":"Or Bar-Shira1, Yosef Cohen, T. Shoshan, A. Bechar, A. Sadowsky, Yuval Cohen, S. Berman","doi":"10.13031/ja.15217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15217","url":null,"abstract":"Highlights Medjool date fruit bunches can be modeled in 3D based on structural decomposition and the use of Bezier curves. The 3D model can be used for generating artificial image datasets of Medjool fruit bunches. The annotated image datasets can be used to develop robust algorithms for robotic Medjool date thinning. Algorithms for determining the required thinning length are a prerequisite for Medjool date thinning automation. Abstract. Medjool is a premium date cultivar, and the market demands high-quality fruits, for which specific horticultural practices, including timely and efficient fruitlet thinning, are required. Currently, thinning the fruitlets is one of the most labor-intensive tasks in the Medjool cultivation cycle, and there is a need to develop methods for automating the thinning process. An algorithm determining the required thinning is a prerequisite for advancing toward thinning automation. An annotated Medjool fruit bunch image dataset is necessary for developing such an algorithm using state-of-the-art machine learning methods. Acquiring such a dataset is difficult and costly. The difficulty can be alleviated by using synthetic images. However, current methods for generating synthetic plant images are unsuitable for Medjool dates due to their geometrical features. The current work suggests a method for generating artificial images of Medjool fruit bunches from a 3D model based on structural decomposition into plant parts and the use of Bezier curves. Nineteen model variables and their distributions were defined for fruit bunch model generation. The models and synthetic images generated based on the models were verified by two plant physiologists who are experts in Medjool date cultivation. Fruit-bunch features were extracted from the generated images and used for learning the required remaining length of the spikelets after thinning using kernel estimation. The estimation was tested for images of two whorl-period combinations (Top-Early and Middle-Middle). The average scaled absolute estimation errors for both periods were very low (less than 1%).","PeriodicalId":29714,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the ASABE","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74159053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}