Special Issue "Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering"

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pawel Sobczak
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Engineering and Machines, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka Street, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
Interests: agriculture engineering; feed production; sustainable production
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jolanta B. Krolczyk
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Opole University of Technology, 5 Mikolajczyka Street, 45-271 Opole, Poland
Interests: agriculture engineering; food production; sustainable production; production engineering
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Wioletta Zukiewicz-Sobczak
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State University of Applied Sciences in Kalisz, Nowy Świat 4, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
Interests: food and nutrition; food production; health aspects in sustainable production
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites original research papers that report on the state-of-the-art and recent advancements in agriculture engineering, clean production, and sustainable production. This Special Issue encompasses applications in agriculture engineering, biosystem engineering, plant, animal and horticultural production engineering, food and agricultural processing engineering, dehydration and storing industry, economics and production management and agricultural farms management, agricultural machines and devices, IT for agricultural engineering and ergonomics in agriculture, and bioengineering. Review articles related to mechanical engineering in agriculture are also encouraged. This Special Issue accepts high-quality articles containing original research results and review papers connected generally with the agriculture engineering field.

Prof. Dr. Pawel Sobczak
Prof. Dr. Jolanta B. Krolczyk
Prof. Dr. Wioletta Zukiewicz-Sobczak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agriculture engineering
  • sustainable production
  • emerging technologies

Published Papers (9 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

Article
Biochar Improves Maize Growth but Has a Limited Effect on Soil Properties: Evidence from a Three-Year Field Experiment
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073617 - 24 Mar 2021
Viewed by 517
Abstract
Biochar application is reported as a method for improving physical and chemical soil properties, with a still questionable impact on the crop yields and quality. Plant productivity can be affected by biochar properties and soil conditions. High efficiency of biochar application was reported [...] Read more.
Biochar application is reported as a method for improving physical and chemical soil properties, with a still questionable impact on the crop yields and quality. Plant productivity can be affected by biochar properties and soil conditions. High efficiency of biochar application was reported many times for plant cultivation in tropical and arid climates; however, the knowledge of how the biochar affects soils in temperate climate zones exhibiting different properties is still limited. Therefore, a three-year-long field experiment was conducted on a loamy Haplic Luvisol, a common arable soil in Central Europe, to extend the laboratory-scale experiments on biochar effectiveness. A low-temperature pinewood biochar was applied at the rate of 50 t h−1, and maize was selected as a tested crop. Biochar application did not significantly impact the chemical soil properties and fertility of tested soil. However, biochar improved soil physical properties and water retention, reducing plant water stress during hot dry summers, and thus resulting in better maize growth and higher yields. Limited influence of the low-temperature biochar on soil properties suggests the crucial importance of biochar-production technology and biochar properties on the effectiveness and validity of its application in agriculture. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Computer Image Analysis as a Method of Evaluating the Quality of Selected Fine-Grained Food Mixtures
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063018 - 10 Mar 2021
Viewed by 306
Abstract
This work presents the possibility of using computer image analysis to assess the quality of fine-grained food mixtures. The research was carried out using a mixture of wheat flour and algae. These types of ingredients are used, among others, to produce pasta, which [...] Read more.
This work presents the possibility of using computer image analysis to assess the quality of fine-grained food mixtures. The research was carried out using a mixture of wheat flour and algae. These types of ingredients are used, among others, to produce pasta, which is a functional food due to its enrichment with algae. The tests were carried out for mixtures with different shares of algae: 2%, 3% and 4% w/w. Mixing was carried out in a 3D mixer (Turbula® mixer), in which 20, 40 and 60 mL mixing vessels were placed. At the end of the process, samples were taken from four parts (sectors) of the mixing vessels, and then photos were taken with a digital camera. For this purpose, a specially prepared chamber was used, ensuring stable conditions for taking photos. The obtained images were analyzed in the Patan® program, determining the color on the RGB-256 scale. The obtained values were compared with the previously prepared reference specimen (simple linear regression formula). Based on this, it was possible to determine the share of algae in the samples taken and thus to estimate the homogeneity of the tested mixtures. The obtained results indicate the high reliability of the proposed solution. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Article
Use of Meat Industry Waste in the Form of Meat-and-Bone Meal in Fertilising Maize (Zea mays L.) for Grain
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052857 - 06 Mar 2021
Viewed by 508
Abstract
The processing of meat industry waste into meat-and-bone meal (MBM) provides the opportunity to use it as fertiliser in the cultivation of agricultural crops. This study was conducted in the years 2014–2017 at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, Poland to assess MBM effects [...] Read more.
The processing of meat industry waste into meat-and-bone meal (MBM) provides the opportunity to use it as fertiliser in the cultivation of agricultural crops. This study was conducted in the years 2014–2017 at the Experimental Station in Tomaszkowo, Poland to assess MBM effects on yield and quality of maize cultivated for grain. An example of the effective use of nutrients contained in MBM applied at doses of 2.0 and 3.0 t ha is the cultivation of maize in 2016, which was affected by favourable weather conditions. The effect of the accumulation of MBM doses and, consequently, the provision of a greater amount of nutrients ensure sufficient amounts to obtain yields, greater than those provided by mineral fertilisation only. The macronutrient concentration in the maize grains following the application of MBM was similar to the composition of the grains of maize fertilised with mineral N, P and K fertilisers. With the MBM, micronutrients are introduced in amounts that are able to satisfy plants with these components, yet this study failed to demonstrate any effect of increased MBM doses on the concentration of the analysed elements in the maize grains. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
The Process of Separation of Husked Soybean in Oblique Airflow
Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7566; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187566 - 14 Sep 2020
Viewed by 495
Abstract
The study concerns an evaluation of the effect of selected parameters on the course of horizontal pneumatic separation of unsorted husked soybean and the process efficiency. The efficiency of the process of isolating endosperm fraction from husks and other impurities was evaluated by [...] Read more.
The study concerns an evaluation of the effect of selected parameters on the course of horizontal pneumatic separation of unsorted husked soybean and the process efficiency. The efficiency of the process of isolating endosperm fraction from husks and other impurities was evaluated by determining the separation efficiency indicator η. It was shown that increased moisture content of the mixture results in a significant decrease in the η indicator. For example, with the 2.2% increase of moisture content (from W1 = 10.1% to W2 = 12.3%), the separation efficiency indicator decreased, on average, by 6.8%. The value of the η indicator rose with the increased velocity of the airstream, but the amount of valuable fraction that is picked up by the airstream is higher as well. It was found that, when the air velocity increased from V1 = 7.8 m·s−1 to V2 = 10.5 m·s−1 (for the moisture content W1 = 10.1% and W4 = 15.7%), the increment in the efficiency was the highest and reached 14.9–34.3%. A parametric model of the separation process of fragmented mixtures of biological origin was developed based on the analysis of the obtained results observation undertaken. This model can be used in designing and carrying out operations of separation into particular size fractions and cleaning of various feed mixtures, or in determining parameters of the movement of specific mixture components within pneumatic channels. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
The Effect of Mechanical Actions Occurring during Transport on Physicochemical Changes in Agaricus bisporus Mushrooms
Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 4993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124993 - 18 Jun 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 739
Abstract
In this study, physicochemical changes occurring in the fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus champignons, subjected to mechanical vibrations under model conditions and a 4-day storage (shelf-life), were analysed. The experiment was conducted in two versions (applying vibrations for 3 and 6 h, at [...] Read more.
In this study, physicochemical changes occurring in the fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus champignons, subjected to mechanical vibrations under model conditions and a 4-day storage (shelf-life), were analysed. The experiment was conducted in two versions (applying vibrations for 3 and 6 h, at the frequencies of 46 Hz and 28 Hz). As part of physicochemical analyses, such parameters as pH, extract, dry mass, colour parameters and colour difference ∆E, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were determined. The values of the examined physicochemical parameters changed depending on the applied frequencies and vibration time during transport under model conditions, as well as a result of short-term storage (shelf-life). The greatest total colour difference ΔE occurred in the sample subjected to vibrations for 6 h, followed by a 4-day storage. The changes in pH value, dry matter content and refractometric extract were relatively more significant in the samples subjected to 46 Hz vibrations than to those subjected to 28 Hz. The content of polyphenols and the antioxidative activity of mushrooms subjected to vibrations was higher than in the sample stored but not subjected to vibrations. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
The Effect of UV-C Stimulation of Potato Tubers and Soaking of Potato Strips in Water on Color and Analyzed Color by CIE L*a*b*
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3487; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083487 - 24 Apr 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 792 | Correction
Abstract
The color of French fries is an organoleptic attribute indicative of this product quality and also a reliable indicator of its safety. The darker the product color, the higher its acrylamide concentration. Acrylamide is an organic compound of the amide group showing neurotoxic [...] Read more.
The color of French fries is an organoleptic attribute indicative of this product quality and also a reliable indicator of its safety. The darker the product color, the higher its acrylamide concentration. Acrylamide is an organic compound of the amide group showing neurotoxic and potential mutagenic actions in the human body. The content of acrylamide in fried potato products essentially depends on the contents of reducing sugars in intermediates of French fries’ production. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of UV-C irradiation and the soaking of potato strips in water on French fries’ color. The study was conducted on French fries obtained from tubers of the Innovator variety. The study was performed with the use of a special chamber for UV-C irradiation of biological samples and the CIE L*a*b* model for color analysis. The results of the study demonstrated that UV-C stimulation of potato tubers before processing had a beneficial effect on French fries’ color while the blanching of potato strips and soaking in water at a temperature of 40 °C resulted in the production of French fries lighter in color. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Effect of Potato Tuber Exposure to UV-C Radiation and Semi-Product Soaking in Water on Acrylamide Content in French Fries Dry Matter
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3426; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083426 - 22 Apr 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 707
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effect of raw potato tubers’ exposure to UV-C radiation and semi-products soaking in water on the content of acrylamide in the dry matter of French fries. The French fries were prepared from tubers of the Innovator variety [...] Read more.
This study aims to determine the effect of raw potato tubers’ exposure to UV-C radiation and semi-products soaking in water on the content of acrylamide in the dry matter of French fries. The French fries were prepared from tubers of the Innovator variety of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Acrylamide contents were determined by HPLC-UV/Vis on a C-18 column after extraction of fried potatoes with acetonitrile. Potato tubers exposure to UV-C radiation caused an increase in acrylamide content and the soaking of semi-products in water caused a decrease in acrylamide content in the dry matter of French fries. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

Case Report
Determination of the Content of Selected Pesticides in Surface Waters as a Marker of Environmental Pollution
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168942 - 10 Aug 2021
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Pesticides are a major problem not only in the food chain but also when considering the protection of our planet. The use of neonicotinoids has been banned in the EU due to their high toxicity to living organisms, in particular honeybees. The presence [...] Read more.
Pesticides are a major problem not only in the food chain but also when considering the protection of our planet. The use of neonicotinoids has been banned in the EU due to their high toxicity to living organisms, in particular honeybees. The presence of neonicotinoids in natural waters poses a threat to pollinating insects and thus hampers organic production. Pesticide residues in the natural waters of agricultural land are monitored within the framework of promoting sustainable rural development to maintain the safety of human and animal health. Chromatographic analyses of selected neonicotinoid pesticides in water samples from agricultural sites in eastern Poland were performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which followed a solid-phase extraction (SPE). The research revealed no evidence of neonicotinoids contamination. Water quality in this region can be a good factor in promoting sustainable development. The obtained results complement the existing knowledge on the impact of neonicotinoids on both the sustainable food chain and the environment. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that they are not being used in rural area under the study. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Correction
Correction: The Effect of UV-C Stimulation of Potato Tubers and Soaking of Potato Strips in Water on Color and Analyzed Color by CIE L*a*b* Sustainability 2020, 12, 3487
Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7473; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187473 - 10 Sep 2020
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Given that the expressions of concern in this paper [...] Full article
Back to TopTop