Equipping mechanical cleaning devices with automation elements does not fully ensure the quality of cleaning commercial products from mechanical impurities. A possible solution is a system of digital identification of separated biological objects from mechanical impurities based on hyperspectral reflection. The authors carried out research to study approaches to processing hyperspectral reflection data of potato tubers and soil clods using the model of neural network YOLOv8 digital system of identification of soil clods mixed with potato tubers in a potato harvester. They have developed a structural scheme of a potato harvester with a digital system of identification of biological objects based on the hyperspectral reflection of potato tubers and recognition of soil clods in an automated mode. Potato tubers and soil clods in the images were recognized using trained models with the selection of lesion areas. The authors obtained curves of accuracy and completeness of soil clods recognition in the wavelength range between 500 and 700 nm. The optimal confidence level for neural network models was 0.28 for soil clods and 0.37 for potato tubers. The authors determined the calculation parameters of binary and multiclass classification metrics of the developed convolutional neural network models at different wavelength ranges for the classes “Potatoes”, “Soil on potatoes”, and “Soil clods”. The authors found that the highest average recognition accuracy for soil clods of mAP 0.329 and that for potato tubers of mAP 0.407 was recorded at a wavelength of 600 nm. The hyperspectral data obtained can significantly increase the accuracy of classification and recognition of diseases and lesions on tubers and can be used to identify minor changes in tuber condition. The accuracy of non-invasive recognition of soil clods and potato tubers using hyperspectral images is comparable to that of human experts (with a deviation of no more than 11.3%).

Designing mobile power vehicles using the automated control of an electric drive makes it possible to increase the productivity of transport and mechanized operations in agricultural production, improve the functional and operational characteristics of these machines and reduce their negative impact on the environment. The study purpose is to conduct experimental laboratory studies of a mobile power vehicle (MPV) with an electric motor based on a wheeled tractor of traction class 0.6. The authors carried out tractor tests in a soil channel and on a concrete foundation in accordance with GOST 25836-83. They analyzed the tractor balance in the transverse and longitudinal planes and relative to the rear drive axle. As a result, they determined the traction indicators, as well as the traction and energy properties of the tractor during its rectilinear translational motion. The operating weight of the MPV was 1469.5 kg. The analysis of the obtained values of the vertical and horizontal coordinates of the center of gravity of the tractor showed an increase in its static and dynamic stability due to the modified layout solutions of its components. The changes in vertical and horizontal coordinates tend to increase the longitudinal and transverse stability of MPVs. The prototype MPV with an electric drive confirmed its traction class of 0.6: on a hard surface (concrete track), the hitch bar traction force was recorded at 8.0 to 9.0 kN; for weak soil (soil channel), the traction force amounted to 4.0 to 6.0 kN. The results of the studies will further introduce the use of electric drives on MPVs of traction class 0.6.

Drying shaft of the modular dryer of aerodynamic heating is equipped with an outlet in the form of a combination of a non-driven mechanical outlet and a pneumatic conveyor. It is established that the design of its intake has a great impact on the performance of the pneumatic conveyor. The research purpose was to assess the influence of design parameters of the intake of a pneumatic conveyor on its performance. When studying the transportation of wheat grain, the authors tested five design options of the intake for a material pipeline of a 120 × 60 mm rectangular cross-section and a material pipeline of a 110 mm circular cross-section. It was found that the maximum capacity of 422.3 kg/h and mass concentration of the mixture 0.9 kg/kg are provided by the rectangular cross-section material pipeline with a protective insert. The direct discharge and the rectangular cross-section of the 120 × 60 mm material pipeline with a passive vibrator ensure the maximum capacity of 416.4 kg/h and a mass concentration of the mixture of 0.7 kg/kg. When using the outlet with a length of 3 cm instead of 6 cm, one can obtain a capacity of 466.8 kg/h and a mass concentration of the mixture of 0.89 kg/kg. To ensure stable operation and a capacity up to 450 kg/h, the intake of the pneumatic conveyor of the experimental modular dryer of aerodynamic heating should be equipped with a direct outlet of a 60 × 60 mm cross-section with a length of not more than 3 cm, connecting the dryer outlet with the intake of the material pipeline of a rectangular 120 × 60 mm cross-section, equipped with a passive vibrator. The air flow velocity at the intake of the pneumatic conveyor should be within 15.7 to 17.0 m/s. The use of a protective insert in the outlet is a promising way to increase the capacity of the pneumatic conveyor under the condition of increasing the initial air flow velocity at its intake.

Oscillating drying in grain dryers implies that the temperature of the drying agent can be increased without changing the final temperature of the material. Research on oscillating drying modes is mainly limited to fluidized and dense fixed beds. There still have been little studies on the oscillating drying modes in descending dense beds, which are typical for most column and shaft grain dryers. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of oscillating drying and the adequacy of the main operating parameters of the SZT-16 grain dryer. The grain dryer was tested on a farm in the Saratov region. Six grain drying modes were studied in the SZT-16 shaft grain dryer at constant and variable agent temperatures. The grain was dried from an initial moisture content of 19% to 12-13%. The oscillating mode was actuated by switching off the furnace unit, through which the drying agent was fed into the dryer. Within the studied mode parameters, it was found that the oscillating mode ensures safe and energy-efficient drying: the grain temperature varies within ± 2 to 4℃ from its maximum permissible values, and the average temperature of the spent drying agent is 2-3℃ lower than when using a constant temperature mode. To ensure safe operation of the liquid furnace with heating and cooling periods of at least eight minutes, the furnace unit may be cooled to a temperature not exceeding 45℃ with a stepwise fuel supply during the start-up. The use of an oscillating drying mode in grain dryers operating at a constant temperature (with the constant supply of a drying agent) will increase their throughput capacity by intensifying the drying process and reducing specific fuel consumption (up to 13%). The study results will help solve the problem of reducing the energy intensity of grain drying by modernizing grain dryers with a constant temperature mode.

When sowing cereals and leguminous crops at the 2nd and 3rd stages of the crop breeding process, use is made of a cone-type batch seeding unit. In order to coordinate the seeder movement on the plot and the operation of the cone-type seeding unit, it is necessary to establish the relationship between the seeding unit parameters and the parameters of crop breeding sowing. To establish this relationship with the use of physical and mathematical tools, they authors studied the operating parameters of the cone-type seeding unit of the crop breeding seeder for the 2nd and 3rd technological stages using the parameters of sowing grain and leguminous crops on the plot. They have obtained the formula of functional dependency of the angular rotation speed of the cone-type seeding unit on the operating speed of the seeder and the length of the plot, as well as the formula for finding the linear speed of the bypass belt of the conetype seeding unit. The calculations have shown that for the planter SKS-6-10 at the 2nd technological stage on the plot with a length of 1 to 5 m and the working speed of the seeder from 1.0 to 2.0 km/h, the angular rotation speed of the conetype seeding unit varies between 0.35 and 3.49 s^-3. For the 3rd technological stage on the plot with a length between 2 and 20 m and the working speed of the seeder between 1.0 and 3.0 km/h, this indicator ranges between 0.09 and 2.62 s^-1. Cone-type seeding units of Wintersteiger AG planters have proved to have the linear speed of the bypass belt movement ranging between 0.025 to 0.25 m/s for the 2nd technological stage on the plot with a length between 1 and 5 m and working speed of the seeder between 1.0 and 2.0 km/h. For the 3rd technological stage on the plot with a length between 2 and 20 m and a working speed of the planter between 1.0 and 3.0 km/h, the speed ranges between 0.013 and 0.38 m/s. The presented mathematical models can be used in designing a crop breeding seeder with a cone-type seeding unit, equipped with electronic control and seeding control, as well as a navigation system to improve the quality of sowing.

Color sorters demonstrate high efficiency in cleaning seed material from contaminants. However, when processing small-seeded crops, the resolution of color sorter cameras does not ensure the effective detection of hardto-separate impurities. The study aimed to determine the optimal settings for the SmartSort C color sorter systems for removing quarantine dodder seeds during the final cleaning of the Artemida alfalfa variety harvested in 2024. The authors used the following operating parameters of a color sorter to sort samples and subsequently analyze the cleaned purified fraction and waste: an ejector response delay of 2.6, 27 and 3.3 ms, a pressure of 1 and 2 bar, illumination – white light and white light combined with infrared (IR) radiation. The efficiency of dodder seed separation was determined for alfalfa seed contamination of 0.63, 0.32, and 0.14%. When comparing the images from the RGB cameras of the color sorter obtained with IR illumination together with white light against the background of the IR spectrum, it was found that alfalfa seeds with a smoother shell texture are overexposed and look like white spots, while dodder seeds with a rough shell contrast with black dots. When IR illumination was combined with white light, the contrast of dodder seeds increased by 40%. An increase in dodder seed contamination by 0.1% leads to a decrease in the quality of alfalfa seed cleaning by the color sorter, on average, by 1.16%. The complete removal of dodder seeds from alfalfa seeds by means of an IR background and white light illumination was observed at a pneumatic system pressure of 2.0 bar, an ejector response delay of 2.6 milliseconds, a specific machine load per one tray of 85 kg/h and a contamination level of 0.14%. The study results can be used in the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence systems in the software of domestic color sorters.

The need for efficient maintenance and timely repair of tractors determines the importance of developing software for diagnostics and detection of faults in the main units and assemblies. The study aimed to develop software in the Python programming language to diagnose units and assemblies of Kirovets K-742M tractors for their timely maintenance, increased operating efficiency and reduced downtime. When developing the software, the author used the expert assessment method integrated into the program interface created using the Tkinter library. Assumptions were made about the software use on tractors equipped with CAN buses and the compatibility of diagnostic data exchange protocols; diagnostics by personnel experienced in using the considered software, and possible variations in the operating conditions of the equipment. The program algorithm takes into account information about the tractor (model, year of manufacture, mileage, etc.) and possible recommendations for diagnostics using the expert assessment method. The developed software was tested at Expedition Company LLC, which uses Case IH Service Advisor software to diagnose units and assemblies of Kirovets K-742M tractors. Having compared the obtained data, the author confirmed the hypothesis about the effectiveness of the developed software: diagnosing with the Phyton software is 5% faster and more accurate as compared to foreign software. The software also ensures timely detection of faults and provides clear recommendations for their elimination, which reduces equipment downtime and increases its reliability. Further expansion of the software, adding units, symptoms and recommendations, and regular diagnostics of tractors will increase its reliability by 30%, prevent serious breakdowns and maintain equipment in good condition.

Metal surfaces of agricultural machinery are exposed to aggressive environmental influences and agrochemicals. A fertilizer with anti-corrosion properties, in addition to improving agronomic indicators and increasing crop yields, is also expected to reduce the corrosive impact on machinery. The study aimed to evaluate the anti-corrosion properties of the BORAM fertilizer containing nitrogen, boron and copper, which is used in potato growing. Corrosion laboratory tests were carried out for ten days on steel samples of grade St3 according to GOST R9.905-2007. The samples were treated with an aqueous solution of the BORAM fertilizer of various concentrations (1:1000, 1:500 and 1:125); distilled water was used as a control. After the tests, the authors calculated the corrosion rate was and confirmed the protective effect. As a composition for foliar treatment of the Gulliver, Vympel and Matushka potato varieties, the fertilizer was used in the same concentrations as in the corrosion test options. The product was applied three times: upon emergence, during the budding phase and at the end of flowering. A significant decrease in corrosion activity was found on the samples treated with an aqueous solution of fertilizer in a proportion of 1:500 – the corrosion rate was 0.0008 g/m² ∙ h, the protective effect was 99.44%. The use of the test product also showed an increase in the gross yield of the studied potato varieties. The maximum yield was achieved at an aqueous solution concentration of 1:125: for the Gulliver variety, the indicator was 27.9 to 31.0 t/ha, which is 1.5 to 4.6 t/ha (5.3 to 17.0%) higher than the control values; for the Vympel variety – 29.3 to 31.6 t/ha, which also exceeds the control by 2.2 to 4.5 t/ha (7.7 to 16.2%); for the Matushka variety – 22.1 to 24.0 t/ha, which is 1.4 to 3.3 t/ha (6.3 to 15.4%) higher than the control. The study has confirmed the hypothesis: in addition to increasing potato yields, the use of the BORAM fertilizer with anti-corrosion properties reduces the corrosive effect on the machinery.

Power supply of non-traction consumers of electrified railways, including agricultural enterprises, is terminated when the 25/0.4 kV transformer substations feeding them are disconnected during scheduled and unforeseen railway infrastructure works. This is due to the disconnection of the third phase “C”, the transmission of which is carried out in normal mode along the rails in the “two additional wires – rail” power supply systems. At the same time, the other two wires (phases) of the system may be energized. Non-traction consumers (agricultural enterprises) deteriorate their economic indicators due to interruptions in power supply. The purpose of the study was to increase the reliability of power supply to agricultural consumers fed from the electricity networks of railways. The authors propose connecting phase “C” through working grounding without using a rail during scheduled infrastructure works of Russian Railways. The experiment was conducted at an operating substation fed from the “two additional wires – rail” system of an alternating current railway with a rated voltage of 25 kV, using the ground as a conductor of phase “C” on the high-voltage side of the substation. During the experiment, the quality of electric energy was monitored to ensure the compliance with the indicators of GOST 32144-2013. The results of practical studies for a complete transformer substation showed the operability of the power supply circuit for consumers using the “two additional wires – a rail” system in a forced mode. This circuit provides agricultural consumers with electricity during “gaps” (track possessions) for servicing the railway infrastructure, avoiding occasional shutdowns. In further studies, it is necessary to conduct additional field experiments and study in detail all the parameters and dependencies of the “two additional wires – a rail” power supply system.

To ensure the academic right of students to psychological assistance, it is necessary to develop a system of psychological and pedagogical support for university students. In order to identify and substantiate current areas of psychological and pedagogical support for training agricultural engineering staff, the authors analyzed the regulatory and research literature on the problems of psychological and pedagogical support. They also identified some specific features of the organization of psychological services in a number of leading agricultural universities in Russia. The authors have made a conclusion about the predominant focus of psychological assistance on critical and crisis phenomena. The study analyzes empirical data on psychological and pedagogical characteristics of successful engineers and engineering students, including those studying at the agrarian university. The typical parameters of their cognitive sphere, main individual-typological features, and leading personality traits have been identified. It has been found that technical specialists have such typical traits as restraint, suspiciousness, and low sociability. Based on this, the authors identified the main areas of psychological and pedagogical support for agricultural students, taking into account the specific features of engineering areas of training: diagnostics of cognitive abilities and personality traits, assessment of their relevance to the profile of engineering activity, and determination of the conditions for their development. The typical psychological features of engineering staff determine the need for psychological and pedagogical influences aimed primarily at developing communication skills and correcting the emotional sphere.

Digitalization is transforming social institutions, including education, and poses challenges such as reducing attention to spiritual aspects, replacing live communication with virtual communications, and spreading consumer attitudes through the media space. At the same time, the digital environment opens up opportunities for the popularization of cultural heritage through multimedia resources and interactive technologies. The research relevance is due to the need for a balance between adaptation to digital realities and the preservation of value orientations that shape the personality of young people. The study goal is to analyze the dual role of digitalization in shaping the spiritual and moral attitudes of young people, identifying key challenges and opportunities of the digital environment. To achieve this goal, the authors used methods of analyzing scientific literature, interviewing teachers and parents, surveys of young people, as well as the analysis of digital educational resources. Special attention was paid to the study of the influence of virtual communications on the values and effectiveness of interactive technologies in educational practice. The research results revealed the key challenges of the digital age: a decrease in interest in spiritual and moral aspects, the dominance of virtual communication over live interaction, and an increase in consumer orientation among young people. At the same time, digital tools (virtual tours, AI-adapted programs, online forums) are rather promising in terms of involving young people in the study of cultural heritage, increase the accessibility of the educational process and develop critical thinking through digital discussions. The personalization of content, taking into account age and cultural characteristics, helps to strengthen traditional values. The digital environment, if used correctly, can become a powerful tool for preserving traditional values. It is recommended that teachers create interactive materials and improve digital literacy, developers take into account regional specifics and integrate feedback, and parents actively participate in children’s digital education and monitor their digital consumption. The study confirms that the combination of digital and traditional methods can ensure the continuity of values in the context of technological transformation.

The current situation in rural areas has been witnessing the youth outflow. Young people probably do not see opportunities to implement their life plans in rural areas. There is little research into young people’s professional preferences in the field of implementing their life plans in rural areas. This problem predetermined the research purpose: to study the ideas of young people about their professional preferences in the field of implementing life plans in rural areas and to identify the readiness of young people to work in rural areas and to determine the factors that contribute to this. The research bases on the materials of the survey of 2,535 schoolchildren and students of the Kostroma region. The literature review has shown that modern researchers, when compiling a portrait of a young person, pay attention to the values of youth, determine the social portrait of young people involved in entrepreneurial activity, determine the stereotypes of young people about life in rural areas, etc. The research showed that 52.2% of respondents have a general idea of life in rural areas; however, 38% are ready to move to rural areas to start their own business. Young people in the region consider livestock breeding, construction and architecture, trade to be the most interesting professional areas. 63.9% of respondents indicated that today a young person can implement life plans in rural areas and is ready to work in the spheres of agricultural production (39.0%), education (19.6%), administration (15.7%), service sector (13.7%), and IT-sector (12.1%). Their motivating factors can be seen in the statements like these – “living in an environmentally clean place”, “a job with a decent salary”, “an opportunity to quickly get housing in rural areas”. The study results are applicable to career guidance activities involving young people in the region.