Harvest quality is primarily determined by the ability to preserve marketable produce while minimizing soil and plant impurities. To address this challenge, the authors have designed and manufactured an automated separation module for potato harvesting that distinguishes tubers from soil clods using machine vision and pneumatic ejection. The module captures real-time images of moving biological objects, processes and classifies them via an integrated optical system, and removes impurities with compressed air jets. The system comprises a feeding conveyor with adjustable speeds ranging between 0.5 and 3.0 m/s, an optical identification unit with integrated illumination, and a machine vision subsystem. The latter includes a high-resolution camera (at least 5400 pixels) capable of operating in RGB+RGB or NIR+RGB spectral modes. Laboratory and field trials were conducted during the harvest of the Prime potato variety, with a yield of 236.0 cwt/ha and digging depth of up to 20 cm. The forward speed of the harvester ranged between 1.0 and 1.8 m/s, while the rod elevator web operated at 1.55-1.67 m/s. Results showed that increasing elevator speed from 1.0 to 1.8 m/s raised tuber damage from 1.2% to 1.9%, but improved separation completeness of the tuber-bearing heap from 94.5% to 98.8%. At an optimal working depth of 14.9 cm, all quality indicators remained within technical specifications: separation completeness reached 97.1%, tuber loss was 2.9%, and the tuber content in the heap amounted to 80.3%. The findings provide a foundation for further advancements in automated potato harvesting systems and support the development of recommendations for optimizing separation processes and enhancing product quality. Future research will focus on implementing advanced image processing and filtering methods, as well as machine learning algorithms, to improve recognition accuracy, reduce tuber losses, minimize mechanical damage, and boost the overall efficiency of harvesting equipment.

Water-saving solutions aimed at reducing anthropogenic pressure on the environment are often overlooked during the design of cattle farms, while the development of appropriate technical and technological solutions (TTS) remains a highly labor-intensive process. This study aimed to develop an algorithm for designing water-saving TTS for dairy cattle farms to facilitate the selection of efficient technologies and equipment. The algorithm was constructed based on a theoretical analysis of existing water-saving approaches, a previously established calculation model for water consumption and wastewater generation, and experimental data obtained from tests of water-saving technical means. The algorithm is designed to evaluate the performance of various technologies and equipment for cattle farms with herd sizes ranging from 50 to 3,000 dairy cows, operating with a single milking parlor and employing the most common types of equipment. The proposed algorithm was validated on a loose-housing dairy farm with a herd of 1,200 heads, including replacements, and an average daily milk yield of 28 kg per cow, milked using a “Carousel”-type milking installation. The lowest-water-consumption TTS variant included washing of drinking bowls, treatment of the resulting wastewater using a special device, and subsequent reuse of the treated water for animal watering. The algorithm also incorporates the use of the following water-saving equipment: a pre-cleaning scraper, a high-pressure washer for milking parlor floor cleaning, a foam-generating unit for hoof treatment, and a scrubber for cleaning teat cups. Calculations indicate that the implementation of the proposed water-saving technology and equipment would reduce total water consumption by 7.0 thousand m³/year (10%), decrease wastewater generation by nearly 7.0 thousand m³/year (64%), and lower CO₂ emissions by 12.3 t/year. Furthermore, capital expenditures would decrease by 14 million rubles, operating costs by 645 thousand rubles/year, and overall reduced costs by more than 2.1 million rubles. The application of the developed algorithm is expected to significantly reduce labor inputs in the design of dairy cattle farms and in the selection of efficient technological solutions and equipment, thereby supporting more sustainable and economically viable farm operations.

The selection of effective harvesting technologies and resource-saving methods for preparing feed grain is a critical task for the development of the forage base in regions with high rainfall. Mathematical and computer modeling, particularly using Markov chains, can inform the technological and technical strategy for grain harvesting under probabilistically changing weather conditions. The study aimed to develop a mathematical model for managing the grain crop harvesting process based on Markov chain theory. To extend the harvesting window for forage grain crops, the following technologies were proposed: grain silage production, stripping of ears without threshing, and grain crimping with preservation, all of which are implemented during the milk and wax ripeness stages. An optimization mathematical model and a corresponding software package were developed to determine rational harvesting areas, accounting for the probability of weather conditions and the ripeness stage of the crops. The model and software were tested under the conditions of the Northwestern region of the Russian Federation, assuming a probability of unfavorable weather of 0.6 and a target seed grain share of 10%. A partial solution of the model allocated 56.8% of the grain crop area to grain silage production, 19.7% to ear stripping without threshing, 7.1% to grain crimping and preservation, and 4.0% to feed production by drying. The developed model estimates the area of grain crops that can attain full ripeness with an acceptable risk of losses. The model is applicable to groups of fields, individual fields, or their parts (accounting for their microrelief), making it relevant for precision agriculture. The proposed approach to optimizing the structure of grain crop harvest will enable informed management of the seed-to-feed grain ratio using various harvesting technologies.

The development of breeding seeders is possible through a detailed study of seed movement patterns in a centrifugal distributor, based on the investigation of seed velocity, time, and angular displacement. The optimal parameters of seed movement in the centrifugal distributor should ensure accurate and uninterrupted distribution of seeds through the nozzles into the seed tubes for uniform seeding into the furrow during row sowing. The study aimed to determine the seed movement parameters in the centrifugal distributor of a breeding seeder during the interaction of its blades with the seed flow of grain or leguminous crops. The research methodology included an analysis of physical and mathematical relationships and simulation modeling of the seed release process in the centrifugal distributor of the Wintersteiger Plotseed S-VIM seeder, with a distributor speed of up to 3100 rpm. The developed 3D model of seed movement in the centrifugal distributor made it possible to establish a nonlinear dependence of the coefficient of friction between seeds and the blade material on the process dynamics. As the coefficient of friction increased from 0.2 to 0.38, the seed velocity at the blade exit decreased from 8.59 to 6.3 m/s (by 36%), the travel time along the blade increased from 0.0065 to 0.0086 s (by 32%), and the angular displacement increased from 1.59 to 2.24 rad (by 40%). A further increase in the coefficient of friction to 0.57 led to an additional 8% reduction in velocity and a 54% increase in travel time. The seed release angle increased linearly from 54 to 68 degrees. It was established that high-quality sowing of grain and leguminous crops for the Wintersteiger Plotseed S-VIM seeder is possible provided the coefficient of friction between seeds and the blade material is 0.38, the seed release angle is 62.5 degrees, and the seed velocity at release reaches 6.3 m/s. The developed 3D model of seed movement in the centrifugal distributor will facilitate the future development of an electric-driven seeding unit for a third-stage breeding seeder with a robotic cassette loading device.

The existing flax ribbon fluffers, despite their high productivity and reliability, do not contribute to increasing the yield of long fiber. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the fluffing method on the structural parameters of the stem layer and to develop recommendations for improving the fluffing efficiency. The newly developed two-stream flax ribbon fluffer VL-2K eliminates the disadvantages of serial machines. Comparative studies of the structural parameters of the stem layer showed minimal changes in the relative elongation of stems during operation of the VL-2K fluffer compared to the serial VL-3 machine, in which this indicator exceeds the permissible values by almost 2 percentage points. The probability of stem misalignment with the VL-2K fluffer was P (>28°) = 0.004, whereas the angular disorientation of stems produced by the serial VL-3 fluffer reached a probability of violating agrotechnical requirements of P (>28°) = 0.21. However, to increase the yield of long fiber, it is necessary to reduce stem elongation and misalignment during the fluffing process. Since the possibility of effectively reducing elongation depends on the angular disorientation of stems, to improve the suitability of the layer for subsequent longfiber processing, it is first necessary to minimize existing stem misalignments and only then proceed to eliminate layer elongation. To prevent stem misalignment, it is advisable to observe the following conditions: move the flax stem ribbon over the pickup drum with a kinematic mode index equal to unity; make sure that the pickup drum fingers freely exit the fluffed ribbon under the action of the raceway; make sure that flax harvesting machines spread flax ribbons forcibly and as close as possible to the field surface; avoid unnecessary compaction of stem mass in the ribbons of the retted straw. Stem elongation in the layer can be reduced by butt-end beating. Compliance with these recommendations will help achieve an increase in the yield of long fiber at flax processing facilities.

The use of crushed sprouted grain as a vitamin-enriched feed supplement is highly advisable. The paper presents the design of a crusher for sprouted dried grain, featuring two coaxially arranged drums: an outer drum equipped with hammers and an inner drum fitted with knives. The study aimed to determine the crusher’s optimal design and operational parameters to achieve a grain grinding module within the range of 1.2 to 1.3 mm. Experimental sieving of crushed sprouted dried barley and wheat was conducted using a U1-ERL sieving machine. For barley, the sieving yielded 90.26% of the target fraction, 9.6% of an under-ground fraction, and 0.14% material losses. For sprouted wheat, the corresponding values were 92.19%, 7.6%, and 0.21%, respectively. The desired particle size distribution for barley was attained at a crusher’s throughput capacity of 510 to 518 kg/h, while wheat crushing showed a value of 520-535 kg/h. Through regression modeling, key factors affecting the grinding module were identified. To secure the required modulus of 1.2 to 1.3 mm, the following parameters should be maintained: outer drum speed of 2550 to 580 min^-1, outer drum diameter of 0.6 to 0.62 m, hammer thickness of 0.002 to 0.003 m, knife spacing of 0.012 to 0.014 m, and knife sharpening angle of 14 to 15°. The derived design and operational values provide a useful reference for manufacturing units intended for crushing and cutting heterogeneous products.

The efficiency of potato cultivation can be improved using a rotary tillage implement with simultaneous application of pelletized organic fertilizers. However, this requires a specialized dispenser. The study aimed to determine the type and design of a dispenser for pelletized organic fertilizer for a combined tillage implement. Preliminary research on dispensers showed that, as compared to the fluted-roller type, the auger-type dispenser is simpler in design and less energy-intensive to operate. The throughput capacity of the designed auger-type dispenser was determined under stationary conditions on a test bench in accordance with GOST 28714-2007. The flow rate of pellets was investigated at nine speeds of the dispenser shaft. The mean values for each speed did not exceed the specified variability between replicates. A functional relationship was established between the auger shaft speed and the specified application rate and forward speed of the rotary tillage implement. The obtained mathematical function and experimental data show satisfactory statistical consistency, allowing the derived relationship to be used for adjusting the implement prior to operation. It was established that the designed dispenser meets the required maximum application rate of pelletized poultry manure for potatoes of 4 t/ha when the rotary tillage implement operates within a forward speed of 5 km/h. Other fertilizer application rates can be achieved by reducing the speed of the auger shaft. Further research will focus on achieving uniformity of fertilizer application by the auger-type dispenser, both across the working width and along the length of machine travel.

In repair production, cleaning engine parts from carbon deposits presents a significant challenge due to the high adhesion of carbonaceous residues to component surfaces and their low susceptibility to detergent solutions. The study aimed to justify a method for carbon deposit removal and to establish an optimal cleaning mode for exhaust valves in engine valve gear. Acoustic cavitation is a good solution for carbon deposit removal, as it generates hydrodynamic micro-impacts that effectively disintegrate carbonaceous deposits. The authors conducted experiments on cleaning exhaust valves in an ODA-DS100 ultrasonic bath, with cavitation activity measured using a cavitometer. The influence of key process parameters – detergent concentration, solution temperature, and cleaning duration – on carbon removal efficiency was assessed by sequentially varying each parameter. Cleaning quality, evaluated by residual contamination (g/cm²) determined gravimetrically, was adopted as the optimality criterion. Specifically, cleaning performance was examined at Kontrast-107 detergent concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/L; solution temperatures of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C; and cleaning durations of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes. The highest cavitation activity was observed at an oscillation frequency of 25 kHz. The following cleaning mode was identified as optimal for exhaust valves: detergent concentration of 20 g/L, solution temperature of 60°C, and cleaning duration of 15 minutes. The cleaning process can be controlled by adjusting the ultrasonic frequency, detergent concentration, and solution temperature. Future research may explore the influence of component geometry on cleaning efficiency.

The accuracy of measuring instruments used in the repair of agricultural machinery and equipment directly affects the quality level of restored parts and assemblies. However, calibration of measuring instruments is not a compulsory procedure at repair facilities. In this regard, the authors have developed a methodology for assessing the error of bore gauges at a repair facility by performing multiple measurements of a reference value. To achieve static stability and measurement reliability, three series of experiments were conducted with bore gauges of different operating principles. The number of measurements taken with each bore gauge was 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 60, 80, and 100. It was found that when measuring with a three-point micrometer bore gauge GUANGXING 11-14, starting from 20 measurements, there is a significant reduction in the influence of the random error component; statistical parameter stability begins at 25 measurements. When measuring with a wedge-type dial bore gauge NI 18-50, the random error component is eliminated at 40 measurements, while statistical parameter stabilization begins at 25 measurements. The dial bore gauge with lever transmission NI 100160 eliminates the random error component at 100 measurements, with statistical parameters stabilizing at 20 measurements. As a result, the rational number of measurements was established: 25-fold measurement guarantees sufficient accuracy in assessing the instrument error and does not entail unnecessary costs. The application of the developed methodology at repair enterprises will reduce the time required for measurement operations without compromising quality, increase the reliability of hole inspection, reduce the rejection rate during part restoration, decrease warranty claims, and consequently enhance the competitiveness of domestic repair enterprises through the high quality of repair services provided.

During the overhaul of high-horsepower tractors, about 70% of shafts in critical assemblies require restoration of working surfaces in the contact zone with seals. To prevent prolonged downtime of machinery caused by failures of shaft seal assemblies, a first-aid repair kit can be used. Installation of a thin-walled repair sleeve is a fast, effective, and economically feasible method of restoring sealing integrity. The research aimed to develop a repair kit for restoring sealing integrity, which includes a new sealing lip and a hardened thin-walled repair sleeve (TWRS). The thin-walled repair sleeve with a thickness of 0.25 to 0.35 mm is made of AISI 321 steel hardened with TiN to a microhardness of 18,900 to 21,700 MPa. The wear resistance of the “Shaft-Seal” assemblies using the proposed TWRS and a sleeve made of 45 steel (reference) was studied on a manufactured test bench for 32 hours with the addition of 2% abrasive to the assembly lubricant. It was found that titanium coating of the sleeve surfaces made it possible to increase their wear resistance by 10 times compared to factory shafts and the assembly service life by 22%. The surface characteristics of the proposed TWRS correspond to the design parameters determining the durability of shaft sealing units (GOST 8752-79). The thin-walled repair sleeve restores the operability of the assembly in minimum time (20-30 min) even in field conditions. The cost of the proposed thin-walled repair sleeve is 16 times lower than the cost of TWRS from foreign manufacturers. The research results confirm the feasibility of using a first-aid repair kit, including a TiN-hardened thin-walled repair sleeve (TWRS), for restoring working surfaces in the contact zone with seals. The use of domestically produced TWRS will reduce dependence on imported components when restoring the sealing integrity of the “Shaft-Seal” assembly.

Indoor climate parameters on livestock farms depend on the heat supply and air exchange methods. To improve the survival rate and productivity of animals, it is proposed to use a developed energy-efficient combined electric thermal storage heater (CETSH), consisting of a storage unit and a direct heating unit, in conjunction with a ceiling fan. The research aimed to assess the effect of ceiling fan operation on indoor climate parameters in the animal-occupied zone during its joint operation with a combined electric thermal storage heater. Measurements of indoor climate parameters (temperature and velocity) were taken at several points along the height of the room in two modes: with the ceiling fan in the position “ON” and “OFF”. As a result, interpolation polynomials were obtained for the dependence of air temperature change taking into account the distance from the vertical axis of the ceiling fan in two modes, and for the dependence of air velocity distribution in the room with the fan operating. It was established that the joint operation of the CETSH with a ceiling fan makes it possible to increase the air temperature in the working zone of the heated room by 2 to 3°C while reducing the power of the heat supply system by at least 15%. The energy-saving effect is achieved by utilizing the heat of air accumulating in the upper zone of the room (under the ceiling) when it is supplied by the ceiling fan to the working zone. The results of experimental studies on the use of CETSH together with ceiling fans showed a more uniform distribution of air temperature along the height of the room while maintaining the standard air velocity in the working zone (nor exceeding 0.2 to 0.4 m/s). The research results can be used in the design of energy-saving electric thermal storage heating systems for livestock buildings on cattle farms and in the development of a standard size range of CETSH.

The training of engineering personnel in the context of the digital transformation of agricultural production requires a revision of their professional competency framework. Particular attention should be paid to studying students’ metacognitive engagement in their educational and professional activities as a key factor in developing the professional competence of future specialists. This study aimed to examine the dynamics of students’ metacognitive processes. The authors examined the main approaches to defining professional competence and identified the key components of its structure: motivational-personal, functional-activity, and reflective-evaluative components. It is shown that, in the context of rapid changes in production technologies, the development of metacompetencies is particularly important. These competencies ensure the ability to master new knowledge and technologies, adapt to change, and plan one’s own professional trajectory. The article presents the results of experimental work conducted among first- and third-year students majoring in agricultural engineering. It was found that, despite a slight improvement in some metacognitive characteristics among senior students, the differences do not reach a statistically significant level. This demonstrates the need to incorporate specialized forms of learning activities aimed at developing metacognitive skills. The authors propose a set of measures to improve the educational process, including the widespread use of interactive teaching methods, the organization of industrial internships, the incorporation of computer modeling elements, and the design of situations that approximate a real professional environment. It is proposed to strengthen students’ psychological and pedagogical training aimed at developing reflective skills and the ability to self-develop. The development of educational models that take into account the specifics of modern trends in agricultural engineering will help shape active, creative, and technologically advanced specialists.

The interaction of educational stakeholders within the electronic information and educational environment (EIEE) requires academic staff to be proficient in using digital educational resources and services (DER and DES), which constitute the infrastructural foundation of the modern educational process. This study aimed to diagnose the level of readiness of agricultural university teachers to implement the educational process within the university’s EIEE. The empirical study was conducted at Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, with 323 academic staff members participating. A dynamic analysis of teacher readiness for professional activity in the EIEE was performed based on the authors’ three-level classification, which distinguishes unproductive, basic, and productive levels of readiness. The initial assessment revealed an unproductive level of development across the motivational, cognitive, and activity components of teacher readiness. Following the completion of a professional development program on “Electronic Information and Educational Environment,” the distribution of readiness levels showed notable improvement: motivational component: unproductive – 15.2% (49), basic – 42.4% (137), productive – 42.4% (137); cognitive component: unproductive – 17.3% (56), basic – 50.5% (163), productive – 32.2% (104); activity component: unproductive – 17.3% (56), basic – 53.3% (172), productive – 29.4% (95). The study results confirm the need for targeted and systematic training of university teachers in the use of DER and DES. To foster such readiness, it is essential to create conditions that enhance the motivation of both academic staff and students to engage in the creative implementation of the educational process using DER and DES, thereby improving the quality of personnel training for the agro-industrial sector.