Valutazione tecnico-agronomica di due diverse tipologie di impianto di origano in funzione della raccolta meccanica

Harvest is one of the most important agronomical techniques of oregano cultivation. Traditionally, oregano is manually harvested but the times of this operation are very long. On the contrary, the mechanical harvest could decrease the harvest times and, therefore, the production costs. Tests of mechanical harvest were carried out between 2003 and 2004 in an experimental field of Dipartimento di Agronomia Ambientale e Territoriale of Palermo University, using a reaper-binder made by BCS for cereal and forage crops but specifically modified for harvesting oregano. The working capacity, productivity and efficiency of this machine were evaluated according to the variation of minimum forward spe…

Hydroseeding application on degraded slopes in the southern Mediterranean area (Sicily)

Abstract. Hydroseeding is a technique increasingly used to establish vegetation on degraded areas in order to provide environmental protection. The objective of this article was to evaluate the effectiveness of four different hydroseeding methods (bonded fiber matrix hydroseeding, thick hydroseeding, reinforced hydroseeding plus water retention, and reinforced hydroseeding) on a degraded artificial slope in the southern Mediterranean area determining total vegetation cover, hydroseeding vegetation cover, hydroseeding success index (HSI), natural and hydroseeded vegetation height. The test area does not allow the use of any operating machinery for soil and vegetation management, and the only…

The CIGR project for the harmonization of Agricultural Engineering University Curricula

Abstract A project for the harmonization of Agricultural Engineering University Curricula was started in 1989 at European level. This project led to two seminars (in 1991 and 1992) and to a survey of current University organization and Curricula of Agricultural Engineering in 25 Countries. The harmonization project is still under way and has achieved world-wide interest. In this paper the main results already obtained, together with possible future developments, are presented.

Prime prove di un prototipo di pirolizzatore per la produzione di biochar

La pirolisi è un processo di decomposizione chimica di biomassa, effettuata in assenza o limitata presenza di ossigeno. Durante la pirolisi complesse molecole polimeriche di biomassa sono scisse in molecole semplici di gas (syngas), sostanze liquide e carbone (char). Le quantità relative delle tre frazioni dipendono da parecchi fattori quali, ad esempio, la velocità di riscaldamento, la temperatura finale, il tempo di residenza dei gas nel reattore, il tipo di pirolizzatore, le caratteristiche fisiche e chimiche della biomassa utilizzata. Il biochar ottenuto dai sottoprodotti dell’industria agro-alimentare, dai residui di potatura, dal legno proveniente dalle utilizzazioni di colture specia…

TRACLAS: a project to improve under canopy tractor safety in case of overturning

Poster Abstract non previsto

Response of Origanum vulgare L. to different plant densities and first results of mechanical harvest

Tests for evaluating the agronomical response of Origanum to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local biotype of Origanum collected at Monreale (Palermo), in an area having the typical soil and climatic conditions of the Sicilian environment. Data about plant biometric characteristics (height at different growth phases, number of branches per plant, fresh weight yield) and the proportions among inflorescences, leaves and stems were monitored. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density influenced the yield but not the plant height. The best results were obtained in the second year, when the hi…

Ergonomia e sicurezza nei trattori nell'ultimo decennio

Per valutare l’entità dei progressi compiuti nel campo ergonomico e della sicurezza relativamente al trattore agricolo sono stati esaminati i bollettini delle prove OCSE dei trattori standard a ruote redatti nell'ultimo decennio. L'indagine ha riguardato l’analisi delle caratteristiche e dello prestazioni di 364 macchine (di cui 207 a due e 157 a quattro ruote motrici), prendendo in esame, per ciò che riguarda l’ergonomia, la rumorosità all'orecchio dei conducente e ambientale) e le caratteristiche costruttive del posto dl guida: - presenza di cabina o di altro tipo di struttura di protezione; - tipo di struttura; - caratteristiche dei sedile. Relativamente alla sicurezza, sono stati invece…

Research activities in the first two cycles of Italian Biosystems Engineering University studies

In Italy, from the academic year 2000-2001, Universities offer 3-year 1st cycle degree study programmes, 2-year 2nd cycle degree study programmes and 3rd cycle degrees. During the implementation of the Bologna process in Italy, from the academic year 2008-2009, 3+2 year University study programmes were updated. In the Italian Agricultural Engineering teaching institutions the students of the 1st and 2nd cycles can carry out research activities, through their thesis work and/or their coursework project. In Italy the access to research positions for the 2nd cycle graduates is a little more common than for the 1st cycle graduates. Possible actions and activities for preserving the topics of ra…

TIPOLOGIA E CARATTERISTICHE DEI FRANTOI SICILIANI

Mapping of penetrometer resistance in relation to tractor traffic using multivariate geostatistics

Abstract The traffic of agricultural machines can cause soil compaction and high variability of soil structure, both along normal lines and along those parallel to the field plane. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of an electronic penetrometer, a GPS, a GIS and geostatistical techniques for mapping soil compaction. In July 2003 soil cone penetrometer resistance was measured using a semi-automatic electronic penetrometer in a sandy-silt soil (Vertic Xerochrept) of inland Sicily where a three-year rotation wheat ( Triticum durum Desf.)–wheat–tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) was practiced. The measurements were carried out along three parallel 3-m long transects, from the…

Harmonisation of Higher Education in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering

The international harmonisation of the Higher Education Area (HEA) in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering (ABE), was started by Prof. Giuseppe Pellizzi during the CIGR 1989 Conference. This action was carried out in the EU by EurAgEng SIG RD12 - Education and Communication (Chairman Prof. Pierluigi Febo from 1994) and also elsewhere by CIGR WG1 - Agricultural Engineering University Curricula Harmonization (Chairman Prof. Pierluigi Febo from 1994 and Secretary Dr. Antonio Comparetti from 2007). The book and CD-ROM: “The University Structure and Curricula on Agricultural Engineering. An overview of 36 countries”, were presented by Prof. Pierluigi Febo during the AgEng 2000 Conference. Three t…

ANALISI DEI COSTI ENERGETICI DI REFRIGERAZIONE NELLA PRODUZIONE DEI VINI BIANCHI

Biogas yield from Sicilian kitchen waste and cheese whey

The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition of kitchen waste and cheese whey, as well as the biogas yield obtained from the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) tests of these two raw materials. Since the separated waste collection is performed in the town of Marineo (Palermo), a sample of kitchen waste, different from food industry one and included in the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), was collected from the mass stored at the households of this town. Moreover, a sample of cheese whey was collected in a Sicilian mini dairy plant, where sheep milk is processed. This investigation was carried out inside laboratory digesters of Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Li…

Valutazione di sistemi GPS e DGPS combinati con metodi di correzione e sistemi non satellitari

The aim of this work is assess the accuracy of three positiotining systems: a hand-held GPS receiver, tested on itself and together with a pseudo-differential method; a DGPS system; a dead reckoning system. Test results suggest that, for row crops, the "corrected" GPS, the DGPS and the dead reckoning systems satisfy the accuracy requirement for mapping in post-processing soil and crop parameters. It is possible to improve the reliability of position resolution, by using a combined DGPS-dead reckoning system that overcomes the problems of signal weakening and obstruction.

Assessment of the Vegetation Parameters of Almond and Vine Plants for Designing a Compact Tractor

The aim of this research is to assess the vegetation parameters of almond and vine plants, aimed at designing a compact tractor suitable for these orchards. The research is part of the Italian project TRACLAS, involving the Universities of Palermo, Milan, Bari, “Tuscia” of Viterbo and Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Unit for Agricultural Engineering (CREA-ING) of Treviglio (Bergamo). Based on the results of the surveys carried out in a sample of almond and vine farms, it was possible to define the vegetation parameters that will allow to design a very low and narrow tractor equipped with a fixed ROPS and suitable for these orchards.

A system for spatially variable rate fertiliser application

The crop yield can be spatially variable within the same field, because of spatially variable soil characteristics (slope, texture, pH, etc.), influencing the soil nutrient content (of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.). Because of this within-field spatial variability, in the precision agriculture cycle, the targeted fertiliser spreading can be highly profitable for both environment protection and cost saving. For this aim the yield and, then, the soil nutrient content must be measured on a localised basis and, therefore, mapped. Relying on the yield map and on the map of each nutrient available in the field it is possible to produce the fertiliser application map, which must be stored…

First tests of mechanical harvest of Origanum vulgare L.

In Italy Origanum vulgare L. is cultivated only in few areas and its production does not even satisfy the national market demand. Until now the interest on this crop has been very low because of the high cost of manual harvest and bunch binding. The aim of this work is to evaluate the use of a reaper-binder (made for harvesting cereal crops) for harvesting and bunch binding Origanum vulgare L. The tests were carried out in Sicily, in the summer of 2001. The mechanical harvest was carried out using the reaper-binder unmodified, but the results were not satisfactory. The machine was then modified reducing its forward speed and cutting height, in order to improve its working productivity and h…

Current state and future of biogas and digestate production

Over the past few years, the worldwide cost of energy has increased significantly, due to a growing global demand for energy and the decreasing availability of fossil fuel sources. Many countries are adopting environmental policies promoting the production and consumption of alternative, sustainable and renewable energy sources. Among these sources is green energy production through the anaerobic digestion of agricultural feedstock, like animal manure and food industry by-products, mainly aimed at producing biogas. Nevertheless, only a very small part of the biogas potential is currently used, while many European countries are facing huge problems caused by the overproduction of organic was…

Systems for evaluating the correlation between soil cone penetrometer resistance and shear strength

The aim of this research is to study possible correlations between soil compaction (and related soil cone penetrometer resistance measurements) and shear strength normal to the field plane, required to cut the soil with a subsoiler. A measurement system for sensing the soil cone penetrometer resistance was built mounting, on a frame fixed to the front part of a tractor, a rod and a penetration cone with a load cell. A load cell, mounted on the tractor drawbar, pulling a subsoiler, allowed to measure the shear strength normal to the field plane, required to cut the soil. Both load cells were connected, through a display, to a portable computer, where a software was used for acquiring the dat…

Whole body vibrations during field operations in the vineyard

Human exposure to mechanical vibration can be a significant risk factor for exposed workers and this also occurs in the agricultural sector, in particular with reference to the driver of the tractor during field operations. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of Whole Body Vibrations for the operator driving tractors during the field operations in the vineyard. The experimental tests were performed using a wheeled and a track-laying tractor. They were coupled to four different machines: rototilling (RT), chisel plough (CP), flail mowers (FM) and vibro farmer (VF). Two homogeneous plots of vineyard, about 200 m long, were identified different only for slope: 0% and 30%. The tests were pe…

News from the SIGs - SIG RD12 Education and Communication

Effects of plant density on Rosmarinus officinalis L. and first tests of mechanical transplanting

Tests for evaluating the agronomical response of Rosmarinus to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local ecotype of Rosmarinus, in an area having the typical soil and climatic conditions of the Sicilian inland hilly environment. Data about biometric characteristics (plant height, number of stems per plant, fresh and dry yield), the ratio between leaf weight and dry weight and the ratio between stem weight and dry weight, both expressed as percent, were monitored. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density positively influenced the fresh and dry yield, while it negatively affects the number of …

Develop biosystems engineering study programs towards bio-fuels, bio-materials and quality of products: current situation and perspectives in Italy

Nowadays in Italy specific modules-specialisations in the area of bio-fuels, biomaterials and quality of products are offered by the Faculties of Engineering of the Universities of Bologna, Milan Polytechnic, Padua, Pisa, Rome “La Sapienza” and Rome “Tor Vergata”. Specific courses in bio-fuels, bio-materials and quality of products are offered by the Italian Faculties of Agriculture of the Universities of Bari, Bologna, Florence, Milan, Campobasso, Padua and Teramo. Because most of the above study programs were established in the last year, according to the D.M. (Law of the Ministry of Education, University and Research) n. 270 of the 22nd October 2004 and, above all, offered only from the …

Evaluation of hand-arm vibrations during the use of portable olives harvesters

The use of portable shakers in olives harvesting is becoming increasingly, especially in Sicily, both to reduce the costs of production and to assure the oil quality. Nevertheless, it’s well known that the use of such tools may involve risk of exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Such exposure to vibrations is a potential cause of muscular/skeletal pains in hand–arm system, and specific pathologies such as Vibration-Induced White Finger (VWF) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The aim of this study was to assess the level of exposure to hand-arm vibration of the operators during the use of portable shakers for olives harvesting. Two different commonly u…

Livelli di rumorosità nell'imbottigliamento di vino e olio

Survey of the Working Condition of Used Tractors in Northern Italy

The working condition of 96 used tractors of different ages and sizes was examined in Northern Italy and compared with those of new machines and the standards at present in force. The results show that from the safety point of view, performance levels do not worsen drastically with increase in vehicle age. Rusty roll-over protective structures with cracks and tears are the main danger. Controls which are difficult to operate, seats in very bad condition, high levels of noise and vibrations render the situation critical from the ergonomic point of view.

Mapping soil compaction measuring cone penetrometer resistance

The quickest way for monitoring soil compaction differences in a field is measuring cone penetrometer resistance. Soil compaction can be significantly spatially variable, depending on the amount and distribution of the traffic of agricultural machines in the field. Therefore, it could be useful to measure soil compaction on a localised basis, in order to produce maps of the damages caused by the traffic of agricultural machines and/or the action of tillage implements. Aim of this paper is to present a system developed by the Department I.T.A.F. for the geo-referenced measurement of cone penetrometer resistance and for mapping soil compaction. This system was built fitting a minitransporter …

The Italian University Structure and Degrees on Agricultural Engineering

In Italy the University structure and degree courses changed dramatically in 2001, moving from degrees of five years, plus three years of Ph.D., to two levels of degree: a first level of three years, plus, eventually, a second level of two years and the unchanged Ph.D. This “revolution” explains the lack of information in some topics and leaves the possibility of further changes in the number, titles and contents of the degrees presented in this paper.

Agricultural Engineering programmes meeting the FEANI and EurAgEng criteria in Italy

The only administrative change which took place in Italian institutions from the status described in the 1st Workshop, in the framework of Bologna process, is the updating of 3+2 years University study programmes. According to the ECTS credit system used in Italian institutions, the total student workload in one year is 60 CFU, which are considered equivalent to 60 ECTS; each CFU represents 25 hours of learning, both as aided learning and as individual studies. The 1st cycle degree study programme (“Laurea”) consists of 180 ECTS, while the 2nd cycle one (“Laurea Magistrale”) is constituted by 120 ECTS. No adjustment, alteration or difference concerning the quality assurance scheme used in I…

Investigating on the environmental sustainability of organic animal products? The case of organic eggs

Abstract The organic farming of laying hens is experiencing a growing trend in Italy, following an increase in consumer demand for organic eggs. The present study aimed to investigate the environmental performance of organic egg production for the first time in the Italian context. To this end, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of organic egg production in a farm rearing laying hens located in Northern Italy was performed. The analysis was carried out in a cradle to farm gate perspective, with 1 kg of eggs selected as functional unit. Primary data relating to animal performances and resources consumed was collected on site, and subsequently integrated with secondary data, including estimates …

Accreditation practices of Agricultural Engineering university studies in Italy

Agricultural Engineering University studies in Italy are practically starting now only in a very few Faculties of Agriculture or of Engineering. Therefore, this paper refers to the accreditation practices which exist at present in Italy and which can be applied to existing study courses of any type.

The Preservation of Sicilian Forests with Poorly Mechanized Logging Processes

Abstract In the province of Agrigento (Sicily), owing to lack of funds, machinery and permanently employed workers, it is necessary to forecast costs and time required for thinning out about 1500 ha of artificial forest using only chain saws and temporarily employed manpower. This study was made to find out how costs and labour productivity vary with tree species, age, size, forest density, land orography and ground uneveness, in order to decide in which areas the change from artificial to natural forest, by gradually thinning out the non-autochthonous trees, could be done at the least cost. Logging processes have been monitored at nine different test sites of about 1 ha each. The results s…

Il rilevamento georeferenziato di caratteristiche fisico-meccaniche del terreno

Lo scopo del presente lavoro è di eseguire il rilevamento georeferenziato di caratteristiche fisico-meccaniche del terreno (resistenza alla penetrazione, indice del relativo stato di compattamento, e sforzo di taglio normale al piano di campagna, richiesto per lavorare il terreno mediante l’utilizzo di un ripuntatore) in un appezzamento della Sicilia interna, lungo traiettorie parallele a quelle già percorse da un sistema trattore - aratro durante l’aratura eseguita cinque anni prima delle prove stesse. Il sistema di rilevamento della resistenza alla penetrazione è costituito da una cella di carico, collegata ad un’asta di penetrazione, che termina con il relativo cono ed è installata su un…

Analisi di tre sistemi di posizionamento applicabili all'agricoltura di precisione

The implementation of ECTS in Italian university departments and institutes of Agricultural Engineering

Dall’Ingegneria Agraria all’Ingegneria dei Biosistemi: didattica e ricerca in Europa e negli USA

Il tradizionale settore dell’Ingegneria Agraria da alcuni anni si sta evolvendo, a livello internazionale, verso quello più ampio dell’Ingegneria dei Biosistemi. L’Ingegneria Agraria applica l’ingegneria alle scienze agrarie, mentre l’Ingegneria dei Biosistemi estende le applicazioni dell’ingegneria alle scienze biologiche ed ambientali, per uno sviluppo sostenibile dell’agricoltura, del settore alimentare, dell’uso del suolo e dell’ambiente, includendo pertanto tematiche innovative quali i bio-materiali, le energie rinnovabili, la gestione dei reflui, la tracciabilità, la qualità e la sicurezza degli alimenti, ecc. Come conseguenza della suddetta evoluzione sono stati istituiti: - a livell…

Effects of Vermicompost, Compost and Digestate as Commercial Alternative Peat-Based Substrates on Qualitative Parameters of Salvia officinalis

Peat is a common substrate used for the cultivation of potted plants. However, the use of peat in horticulture has recently been questioned from an environmental standpoint, since it is a non-renewable resource and plays a major role in atmospheric CO2 sequestration. The aim of this work was to assess the potentialities of substrates obtained from vermicompost, compost and anaerobic digestion processes to partially substitute peat for sage (Salvia officinalis L.) cultivation. Therefore, we planned an experiment to assess the effect of these substrates on essential oil (EO) yield and composition, as well as on leaf nutrients concentration of sage plants. The three substrates were mixed with …

Adjustment time and offset of a system for spatially variable rate fertilisation

The aim of this research is to measure the adjustment time and offset of a cheap system for spatially variable rate fertilisation, designed, developed and set up by the Mechanics Section of I.T.A.F. Department. In order to test the system, a centrifugal fertiliser spreader, working by gravity, was modified connecting an actuator with the two hopper shutter slides. Two different actuator types were tested, in order to measure the accordingly variable adjustment time and offset. The adjustment offset of the centrifugal spreader increases with increasing machine average forward speed and decreases with increasing fertiliser rate, considering the same rate variation. The main components of the …

Sicilian potential biogas production

This study is aimed at predicting the Sicilian potential biogas production, using the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), animal manure and food industry by-products, in a region where only one biogas plant using MSW and one co-digestion plant are nowadays available. The statistical data about OFMSW, the number of animals bred in medium and large farms and the amounts of by-products of food processing industries were evaluated, in order to compute the Sicilian potential biogas and energy production. The OFMSW produced in Sicily, that is 0.8 million tons ca. per year (37% of MSW), could be used in a bio-reactor, together with other raw materials, for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) p…

An invited editorial interview with Professor Pierluigi Febo, Professor of Agricultural Engineering, University of Palermo, on the topic of the development of a European dimension in higher education for Biosystems Engineering (Editorial)

An invited editorial interview with Professor Pierluigi Febo, Professor of Agricultural Engineering, University of Palermo, on the topic of the development of a European dimension in higher education for Biosystems Engineering

Identify needs of industry (current and future employers)

Biosystems Engineering curricula in Europe

This paper describes the history of the harmonisation of agricultural/biosystems engineering degree study programs in Europe from 1989, when the need for this process was widely felt, until now, when this need was partly satisfied through the implementation of the projects of two EU funded thematic networks, i.e., USAEE-TN and ERABEE-TN. The objective of this paper is to contribute to promote, in each EU country and elsewhere, the process of harmonisation of agricultural/biosystems engineering degree study programs, and student and graduate mobility within the EU, as well as between the EU and the USA. At present, in Europe, this harmonisation process is aided by the key results of the proj…

Risk exposure to vibration and noise in the use of agricultural track-laying tractors.

Human exposure to mechanical vibration may represent a significant risk factor for exposed workers in the agricultural sector. Also, noise in agriculture is one of the risk factors to be taken into account in the evaluation of workers’ health and safety. One of the major sources of discomfort for the workers operating a tractors is the noise to which they are exposed during work. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of exposure to whole-body vibration for the operator driving track-laying tractors in vineyard orchard and the noise level. The experimental tests were performed with six different track-laying tractors coupled with the same rototilling machine. The results showed that…

Consumi energetici in diverse tipologie di minicaseifici

Recent regulations about the food health and safety and methods of milk processing obliged most sheep farmers not to process it on their own. Therefore, in Sicily most sheep breeders sold their milk to some small dairies. On the contrary, if sheep breeders had modern plants for processing also small amounts of milk in some suitable farm rooms, they could earn the additional value, due to cheese and ricotta sale. The agricultural Mechanics and Food Industry Sections of the Department of Engineering and Technologies in Agriculture and Forestry (ITAF) of Palermo University measured and assessed the consumptions of fuel electrical energy in some small dairies of 200 and 300 l capacity, in order…

Sustainable Valorisation of Biowaste for Soilless Cultivation of Salvia Officinalis in a Circular Bioeconomy

The aim of this work is to assess the usefulness of biowaste deriving from CircularBioeconomy (CBE) processes (i.e., vermicompost, compost and digestate), as growing substratesfor the partial or total replacement of peat, by measuring the vegetation biometric parameters ofsage (Salvia officinalis L.)&mdash

Italian Potential Biogas and Biomethane Production from OFMSW

This work is aimed at predicting the potential biogas and biomethane production, using the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), in Italy, where 1388 Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants (power of 7.4 TWh, equal to 640.4 ktep) are nowadays available. In order to compute the potential biogas and biomethane production in the 20 Italian regions, the data about OFMSW production in 2010-2013 period have been evaluated. The Italian production of OFMSW, that was 5.2 million tons in 2013 (18% of MSW), could be used inside bioreactors for producing biogas and digestate, that must be aerobically composted into a biofertiliser. In 2013, the Italian potential biogas production from OFMSW was 73…

A System to Control the Atmosphere in the Headspace of the Malaxation Machine to Improve the Fatty Acid Composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oils

In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process parameter. As concluded by many studies, the presence of oxygen during malaxation has a key role in for improving the quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in terms of volatile and phenolic components. There are, however, very few studies of the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on the fatty acid composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on Nocellara del Belice EVOO fatty acids. During of the malaxation process, the atmosphere inside the malaxation machine was modified by blowing…

Restructuring agricultural/biosystems engineering studies and employability in Italy

In Italy there is a society of Agricultural Engineering (Italian Association of Agricultural Engineering - AIIA), to which agronomists and engineers involved in agricultural, forestry and food processing sectors belong, but only recently a few Agricultural Engineering degrees were introduced. However, they are inadequately educated as Agricultural Engineers, because of the limited amount of Engineering learning outcomes. The “recognition” process of Agricultural Engineering study programs proposed by USAEE-TN will make the Agricultural Engineer profession much more known than before and the related degree more appreciated by industries, companies, private and public sectors and, therefore, …

The current status of the agricultural science core curricula in Italian University Faculties of Agriculture

In Italian University Faculties of Agriculture the 1st cycle of studies concerns a BSc. degree offering completed application-oriented studies ensuring employability or an intermediate pivot-point degree towards an integrated MSc. In each first cycle program of studies offered by the Faculties of Agriculture a core curriculum exists and has the scope of providing students with a basic cultural background, common to every program of studies. In Italy the Faculties of Agriculture offer Agricultural Engineering programs of studies and no specialisation both for the 1st and the 2nd cycles of studies. Students can achieve the degree in Agricultural Sciences with a Agricultural Engineering specia…

State of the Art on Degree Study Programs in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering in EU

The process of international harmonisation of the degree study programs in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering (ABE) was started by Prof. Giuseppe Pellizzi during CIGR 1989 Conference and was continued by Prof. Pierluigi Febo in EU, within EurAgEng SIG RD12 - Education and Communication, and also within CIGR WG1 - Agricultural Engineering University Curricula Harmonization. Then, four thematic networks were effective: 1) USAEE-TN (University Studies of Agricultural Engineering in Europe - A Thematic Network), comprising 31 HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) from 27 countries, from 2002 to 2006; 2) Consortium POMSEBES (Policy Oriented Measures in Support of the Evolving Biosystems Engineer…

Spatially variable rate herbicide application on durum wheat in Sicily

Using the conventional farming system, durum wheat requires high rates of herbicide spraying. Herbicide residues can cause pollution of soil and ground water and, therefore, of the entire environment. In order to minimise the environmental impact of herbicides, a home made system for spatially variable rate crop input application was designed, developed and set up by the Department of Engineering and Technologies in Agriculture and Forestry (I.T.A.F.). This system consists of a DGPS, a portable computer, a specifically developed software and a device for applying rates proportionally related to the machine forward speed (DPA). Tests of spatially variable rate herbicide application were carr…

Sistemi per la valutazione del compattamento dei terreni agrari

The traffic of agricultural machines can cause soil compaction, reducing, above all, its porosity. The measurement of soil cone penetrometer resistance is the easiest and quickest method for monitoring and assessing soil compaction. The aim of this research is to test two mechanised systems for the geo-referenced measurement and, therefore, producing maps of soil cone penetrometer resistance. The first system was developed mounting an electronic penetrometer and a DGPS mobile receiver on a tracked minitransporter. The second system was built mounting, on a frame fixed to the front part of a tractor: four load cells; a system for signal conditioning and data acquisition; four rods and penetr…

Un sistema per la concimazione spazialmente variabile

Lo scopo del lavoro è quello di misurare il tempo e la distanza di regolazione di un sistema per l’applicazione di fattori produttivi a dosi spazialmente variabili, progettato, sviluppato, messo a punto e già sperimentato positivamente per il diserbo dalla Sezione Meccanica del Dipartimento I.T.A.F. Tale sistema è stato sperimentato per la concimazione spazialmente variabile, installando, su uno spandiconcime ad azione centrifuga a due dischi di distribuzione opportunamente modificato, due diversi tipi di attuatori, collegati al sistema di regolazione delle luci di caduta del concime. E’ risultato che, a parità di variazione di dose, la distanza di regolazione del sistema, con entrambi gli …

Assessment of organic waste management methods through energy balance

In Italy, the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid W aste (OFMSW) is nowadays landfilled or processed through aerobic composting. The Italian towns curre ntly support a high cost for OFMSW disposal and cause a high environmental impact, because of long distance s travelled from towns to a few available landfills and fewer treatment places, as well as the used waste m anagement methods. An interesting option for OFMSW is Anaerobic Digestion (AD), producing biogas and “digestate”. In this survey a theoretical biogas plant was placed near a town of Sicily Region (Italy), centra lised with reference to the area considered for pro ducing OFMSW. The distances travelled every year to transport OFMS…

Case Study of Potential Production of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) from Livestock Wastes in Mediterranean Islands

The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential production of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) from livestock wastes that are commonly found on Mediterranean islands, by using the island of Malta as a case study. Organic wastes in the form of livestock manure and slurry, as well as other by-products originating from the food transformation industry in the making of alcoholic beverages and the processing of olives, tomatoes and other streams, if mixed in such a way to achieve a correct C/N ratio, can be subjected to anaerobic co-digestion for the production of biogas and digestate. Biogas can be further transformed into biomethane, a fuel that can be used to power surface transportation and …

A System to Simplify the Use of Mounted Shakers for Harvesting Olives and Dry Fruits

The shakers for harvesting olives and dry fruits have reached a high standard and their use is increasing rapidly. In order to satisfy the different demand, manufacturers offer a wide range of shakers, from the more expensive self-propelled ones to those to be mounted on the tractor’s power lift, with shaking headers of different mass and size, suitable for the different orchard characteristics. Self-propelled shakers have high steering capacity and optimum visual field for the operator, so their working capacity is very high with respect to that of mounted shakers, which are less expensive but have lower steering capacity and a limited view on the header. Therefore the approaching of mount…

First tests of spatially variable rate herbicide application on Durum wheat in Sicily

Using the conventional farming system, durum wheat requires the spraying of high herbicide rates. Herbicide residues can cause pollution of soil and ground water. This paper refers to first tests of spatially variable rate herbicide application on durum wheat. The tests showed the effectiveness of the variable rate herbicide application, which allowed an almost even grain yield over the entire field and a saving of 27% of herbicide mixture.

Research activities in Italian university departments and institutes of Agricultural Engineering

The most common topics of research activities in Italian University Departments and Institutes of Agricultural Engineering are Power & Machinery, Post harvest technology and Soil & Water. The sources of funding in Italy come both from the public and the private sector. Especially postgraduate students are involved in research. External research funding is the largest part. Efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the research are evaluated using various parameters like total number of projects, number of participants, papers published, innovations and/or prototypes developed, patents awarded, etc. The results of research activities are disseminated by means of publications, conferences, wor…

LA LAVORAZIONE DEGLI AGRUMI: CONSUMI DI ENERGIA E CAPACITÀ DI LAVORO

TIPOLOGIA E CARATTERISTICHE DEI FRANTOI DI ALCUNE REGIONI ITALIANE

Prove di diserbo spazialmente variabile in un'azienda cerealicola siciliana

In soils having a significant within-field spatial variability of physiical, chemical and biological characteristics, conventional agriculture, based on the the distribution of equal rates of crop inputs (fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) can cause excess of these inputs in some points and deficit in others. The implementation of precision agriculture can prevent these spoilage or deficit. Herbicide spraying is one of the field operations which can get economical benefits from the spatially variable soil managemnent. The section of Agricultural Mechanisation of the Department of Engineering and Technologies in Agriculture and Forestry (ITAF) has set up a system for spraying herbici…

Potential production of biogas from prinkly pear (opuntia ficus-indica L.) in sicilian uncultivated areas

The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential production of biogas and, indirectly, biomethane or electric and thermal energy, from prinkly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), to be grown in a part of Sicilian uncultivated areas and co-digested together with the available livestock manure and slurry. In order to increase the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and reduce the dependency from fossil ones, the conversion of biomass into biogas through Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process is paramount for producing biomethane, to be used as fuel for means of transport and agricultural machines or heating, or electric and thermal energy through Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants. Moreover, the digestat…

Survey of the mean pressure exerted by a wide range of tractors on the soil

In order to predict the mean pressure exerted by a vehicle tyre on the soil, in 1984 Plackett suggested measuring the contact area of a tyre on a hard surface. The model proposed by Hallonborg in 1996, based on the “super ellipse theory”, provided the best results in terms of prediction of the tyre-soil contact area. In this study 82 4WD tractors with different power, mass and age of manufacture were surveyed. Relying on their technical features, the contact area of the front and rear tyres of each tractor and, therefore, their pressure on the soil was calculated, in order to assess the attention paid by manufacturers to soil compaction. The results of this survey showed that the mean press…

PM—Power and Machinery

Abstract In both the OECD Code and the EC Directive for testing dual-pillar front-mounted roll-over protection structures for narrow track width tractors, a non-continuous rolling preliminary test in case of lateral overturning is provided. This test can be simulated with a computer programme. The role of the tyres (and also of the rims) in the lateral overturning of narrow tractors is very important. Frequently the same tractor can be alternatively equipped with four, five, or more different tyre combinations, which can vary its total mass, width, centre of gravity position and moment of inertia about its longitudinal axis. According to the Standards the preliminary test must be carried ou…

Identify research needs/opportunities in Biosystems Engineering

Instrumental evaluation of the texture of cv. Nocellara del Belice table olives

The Nocellara del Belice (Olea europaea L.) is the most important double-aptitude olive variety in western Sicily (Italy), it is one of the most important domestic varieties both for the production and the marketed quantities. Nowadays there is a lack of studies on its mechanical properties through instrumental analysis able to provide quantitative measurements of its flesh texture which is a very important quality attribute for the consumer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the texture of Nocellara del Belice table olives, packed in glass jars, through a mechanical system allowing us to continuously measure and record the compression force along the profile of the flesh of the fruit. F…

Agricultural Engineering curricula: past, present and future

Design, Manufacturing, and Strength Test of a 4-post ROPS Fitted on a Very Low-Profile Tractor (TRACLAS Project)

To improve the safety level when agricultural tractors work on slope under canopy, INAIL (the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) funded a research project, named TRACLAS, devoted to set-up a prototype of low-profile compact tractor, not exceeding 1.60 m overall height, equipped with a 4-post ROPS (RollOver Protective Structure). After the complete set-up of the prototype, some field and lab tests were carried out to compare its performance with those of some comparable tractor models already on the market, used in vineyards, orchards and greenhouses. A basic step of the TRACLAS project was the execution of the strength test of the customized 4-post frame (th…

Sicilian potential biogas production from Citrus industry by-product

In Europe, Italy is the second nation after Spain in Citrus production and 49% ca. of national fruit production is located in Sicily. The by-product obtained from the industrial processing of Citrus fruits into juice and essential oils is called “pastazzo” or Citrus Waste (CW). This study is aimed at evaluating the Sicilian potential biogas and energy production from the above “pastazzo” and verifying the possibility of using this by-product for Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process within 30 km from processing plants. The areas cultivated with Citrus species in Sicily and their distribution in the various municipal districts were mapped and analysed by means of QGIS software, together with the …

The harmonisation applied to European higher education in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering

Even if the process of harmonisation applied to European Higher Education in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering started in 1989, it is still in progress. Until now this process benefited, above all, from the results of the projects of two European thematic networks : • USAEE-TN, whose best results were the core curricula to be used as benchmarks for the degree study programs in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering; • ERABEE-TN, still working for developing the results of USAEE-TN, above all, at the 3rd cycle in Biosystems Engineering. Another important contribution to the harmonisation of the European curricula in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering was obtained from the cooperation between…

La rete tematica sugli studi universitari in Ingegneria Agraria in Europa (USAEE-TN)

Positioning Accuracy Comparison of GNSS Receivers Used for Mapping and Guidance of Agricultural Machines

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) allow the determination of the 3D position of a point on the Earth&rsquo

Risk exposure to vibration and noise in the use of tracklaying tractors

Human exposure to mechanical vibration may represent a significant risk factor for exposed workers in the agricultural sector, with particular reference to the operators driving tractors. Also noise in agriculture is one of the risk factors to be taken into account for the evaluation of workers health and safety. In particular, one of the major sources of discomfort for the workers operating a tractor is the noise to which they are subjected during work. In Italy, Law Decree 81/2008 has defined the obligations of vibration and noise assessment and risk management.The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of exposure to whole-body vibration for the operator driving a tracklaying tractor …

Energy consumption and improvement of energy efficiency for the European agricultural-food system

This work addresses the subjects of reducing fossil energy consumption and the interventions to improve energy efficiency in the European agricultural-food sys-tem. Following an overview on both such subjects, the results of European projects TESLA and SCOoPE are also analysed with attention to best practices and technologies available to improve energy efficiency in order to reduce the fossil energy use in agri-food systems of Mediterranean countries. A list of Key Performance Indicators for the fruit and vegetable sector, useful for comparative analyses aimed at selecting best methods of energy management and technologies for improving energy efficiency, is reported. Finally, a brief focu…

Definition of the Emerging Biosystems Engineering Discipline in Europe: the Current Situation in Italy

The employment situation of the graduates of the Italian Faculties of Agriculture

No abstract

"University - Enterprise Cooperation" in Biosystems Engineering: an ERABEE Thematic Network European survey

This survey was carried out through the data analysis of the “University-Enterprise Cooperation” questionnaire, which was developed and distributed to all the partners of the EU funded ERABEE-TN . 37 industries involved in the area of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (i.e. industries of machines, equipment and materials for agriculture, food processing industries, companies of renewable energy systems and services for agriculture and environment) from 13 European countries replied to this questionnaire. The most significant result of this survey is the importance given to the cooperation between Universities and enterprises specialised in Biosystems Engineering. In fact, the majority…