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Abstract Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an innovative approach that promotes sustainable farming while enhancing soil health. However, residue management challenges often hinder its adoption, causing farmers to burn crop leftovers in fields. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various furrow openers under simulated soil bin conditions. Three types of furrow openers were examined: single disk (SD), Inverted T-type furrow opener with a plain rolling coulter (ITRC), and double disc (DD) furrow opener. Tests were conducted at different forward speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 km h−1) and with three straw densities (1, 2, and 3 t ha−1) at a consistent working depth of 5 cm. Draft measurements were obtained using load cells connected to an Arduino-based data-logging system. Results indicated that draft requirements increased with forward speed and straw density, while straw-cutting efficiency decreased with these factors. Average draft values for SD, ITRC, and DD were 290.3 N, 420 N, and 368.5 N, respectively, and straw-cutting efficiencies were 53.62%, 59.47%, and 74.89%, respectively. The DD furrow opener showed the highest straw-cutting efficiency (81.36%) at a working speed of 1.5 km h−1 and a straw density of 1 t ha−1, demonstrating optimal performance compared to other furrow openers.

A novel self-propelled smart herbicide applicator (1600 mm × 500 mm × 1100 mm) was developed using machine vision to target weeds and apply herbicides variably in wide row-spaced crops. The applicator integrates a weed detection system, smart sprayer, mechanical components, and power transmission system. The weed detection system utilizes a webcam based image sensor, with images processing performed through MATLAB's image processing toolbox. The system processed images using an RGB-based algorithm (R > G + 5, & R > B + 5) to separate weeds from soil. Weed density, calculated as the green area percentage (ratio of green pixels to total pixels), was sent to a microcontroller-operated smart sprayer via a serial port. The microcontroller regulates herbicide flow by controlling the flow control valve with a servo motor, following an algorithm based on green area percentage. Field tests demonstrated a 40 % reduction in herbicide use, 91.26 % weeding efficiency, and 63.4 % field efficiency. The smart herbicide applicator's unique features include real-time measurement, portability, and precise herbicide application for wide-row crops, even at night. It also reduced environmental hazards and drudgery among farmers.

Precise application of nitrogenous fertilizers mainly urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) and granular urea (both pure and neem-coated) in aqueous form, is critically important for basal and foliar applications. The physicochemical properties of aqueous solution of these nitrogenous fertilizers plays important role in design of any liquid fertilizer application system. The study was carried out during 2019–20 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with an aim to develop algorithms for use in sensors-based systems for real time monitoring of available N concentration in the fertilizer solution before its application. The physicochemical properties like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), specific gravity (SG), dynamic viscosity (DV), surface tension (ST) and percentage light absorbance (LA) of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN-28%), pure urea, and neem coated urea in diluted form (pre-selected N-concentrations i.e. 0.78, 0.9, 1.08, 1.33, 1.75, 2.54 and 4.67% corresponding to the dilution ratios of 1:35, 1:30, 1:25, 1:20, 1:15, 1:10 and 1:05) were measured and analyzed for their significance with N-concentration. Electrical conductivity (EC) alone showed a significant relationship with N-concentrations. Prediction models were developed for diluted UAN and granular urea fertilizers based on the EC and N-concentrations. The regression models in terms of EC to predict N-concentration had coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.998, 0.998, and 0.999 for diluted UAN, pure urea, and neem coated urea with water, respectively showed a great potential for their sensor based precise application. The controlled application of diluted liquid fertilizers with water can be achieved through sensing relevant physicochemical property.

Nitrogen responses vary under diverse agronomic management practices, influencing vegetation indices (VIs) and productivity across different ecological conditions. However, the proper quantification of these responses under various crop establishment methods with varied nitrogen levels is rarely studied. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of varying nitrogen levels on VIs, growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, and economic aspects of transplanted rice (TR) and direct-seeded rice (DSR). The experiment was conducted in the randomized block design consisted seven N levels, which included 0% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) or no nitrogen (N0), 33.33% RDN (N1), 66.66% RDN (N2), 100% RDN (N3), 133.33% RDN (N4), 166.66% RDN (N5) and 200% RDN (N6), and replicated thrice. The plots with higher N levels demonstrated increased values of VIs and treatment N3 (120 kg N ha−1), N4 (160 kg N ha−1), N5 (200 kg N ha−1), and N6 (240 kg N ha−1) showed no statistically significant differences in NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), RVI (ratio vegetation index), NDRE (normalized difference red edge), and GNDVI (green normalized difference vegetation index) values across the various growth stages of rice. The application of treatment N4 resulted in the highest number of panicles m−2 (348.2 in TR, 376.8 in DSR), filled grains panicle−1 (74.55 in TR, 62.43 in DSR), and a 1,000-grain weight of 26.92 g in TR and 26.76 g in DSR. The maximum yield (4.89 t ha−1) was obtained in transplanted rice at treatment N4 and, 8.15% yield reduction was noted in DSR for the same treatment, which was statistically equivalent to N3, but significantly superior to other N levels. Conversely, in DSR with RDN (120 kg N ha−1), the cost–benefit ratio surpassed that of TR by 16.96%, signifying DSR’s adaptability for more profitable rice cultivation in the region. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing nitrogen management practices for TR and DSR, thereby enhancing rice crop performance and economic returns.

A study was conducted to design a sensor-based control volume sprayer for vineyard cultivation. The study aimed to develop cluster-specific pesticide and growth regulator application systems with improved penetration and minimum off-target losses, thus saving chemicals and overall cost. For the determination of design values of the control volume unit, physical properties (cluster length, width, and level of compactness) of grape clusters from seventeen major genotypes selected from vineyard research farm ICAR-IARI New Delhi were studied. For the design of the grape cluster detection unit, two different types of sensors, i.e., ultrasonic sensor (HC SR-04) and infrared proximity sensor (B0115NCT4U), were evaluated for their ability to detect the target (grape cluster) and the response time. The design of the spraying unit for the control volume sprayer also involved selecting suitable nozzles and operational parameters. The developed sprayer was evaluated for application of plant growth hormone (Gibberellic acid), and the performance was assessed in terms of droplet size, chemical application per cluster, cluster and berry growth characteristics, sprayer application rate, uniformity coefficient, and application time. The data on the physical properties of grape clusters revealed a maximum cluster length and width of 24.00 ± 0.91 cm and 18.80 ± 0.15 cm, respectively. The ultrasonic sensor had a comparatively higher sensing range, beam angle, and lower price than the infrared sensor. The spray uniformity for the hollow cone and flat fan nozzle varied significantly for the operating pressure range of 2–4.5 kg.cm−2. The developed sprayer consisted of a 3D printed control volume unit, ultrasonic sensor, two flat fan nozzles, microcontroller (Atmega 328P), relay switch, voltage converter, spray tank of 16-liter capacity, and 12 VDC battery. In case of developed sensor-based control volume sprayer, 30% and 35.48% saving in chemical use and application time, respectively, were observed compared to the conventional dipping method. The PGR application method has significant interaction with cluster length and berry growth as the main effect; however, failed to show a significant interaction with cluster width. Maximum cluster growth (16.89 ± 1.72 mm) was observed in PGR application with a developed sprayer.

Cereals are generally harvested at 20-23% moisture content to avoid shattering losses therefore it is necessary to dry the paddy to lower moisture contents (13-14% wb) for safe storage and further processing.A solar-powered airinflated grain dryer was designed, fabricated and tested for drying of paddy. Different combinations obtained from two different levels of upper transparent polyethylene sheet thickness (200 microns and 300 microns), inlet air velocity (1.5 m/s and 3 m/s) and grain bed depth (2cm and 4cm) were compared based on parameters of thermal efficiency, rise in temperature of drying air and amount of moisture removed per unit time. It was found that least square mean values of thermal efficiency, temperature rise in the drying air and drying rate of the developed dryer varied from 18.7-45.7%, 3.35-5.81°C and 0.36-0.98 kg/hour respectively. Upper transparent sheet thickness (300 micron), inlet air velocity (3 m/s) and grain bed depth (4 cm) have the highest least mean square values in the selected parameters and was selected for optimized operation of the dryer. Eight different thin layer drying models were compared according to their coefficient of determination to estimate drying kinetics as criteria for evaluating the goodness-of-fit. The effects of selected variables on the model constants and coefficients were predicted by the models. The page model fit well with the experimental data and satisfactorily describe the drying kinetics of Pusa Basmati (PB 1121) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9995 and RMSE of 0.005464.

India loses 2–6% of total produce due to lack of improper farm storage facilities. A potential novel method of incorporating the bioinsecticide (azadirachtin 0.15%) into the storage bag was evaluated for its effectiveness in insect control for safe pulse storage at Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2021. Azadirachtin (2.41%) was incorporated into jute and woven polypropylene bag. The configuration with both sides treated jute and WPP bag produced mortality of 93 and 100% respectively against Callosobruchus maculatus adults. Both the treated bags produced mortality (>75%) within 48 h indicating the efficacy of selected bioinsecticide to contain infestation. The contact toxicity was dependent on porosity and pH of the storage bag material along with exposure time. Incorporation of the bioinsecticide saved more than 30% loss of weight in Bengal gram stored for 6 months. The storage quality of legumes, accessed as percentage of grains with holes and percentage of grains with eggs after storage duration of six months was within the acceptable values. The practice saved a value of `3242/t on stored Bengal gram in Jute bag and `206 in WPP bag respectively. Thus incorporation of azadirachtin could be potential tool for effective post-harvest storage of legumes in a sustainable manner.

A study was conducted with the goal of developing an algorithm for use in sensors to monitor available soil N. For this purpose, three different soils were selected. The soils were studied for electrical conductivity (EC) at four different moisture levels and four levels of N. The selection of moisture levels was based on optimum moisture levels between tillage moisture and field capacity. The results revealed a significant relationship between electrical conductivity and moisture level of the soil as well as between electrical conductivity and soil N content. Based on these relations, a polynomial model was developed between the EC of each selected soil sample and moisture content as well as N levels. The regression model for moisture content-based EC determination had coefficients of determination of 0.985, 0.988, and 0.981 for clay loam, sandy loam, and sandy loam soils, respectively. Similarly, the regression model for N content-based EC determination had coefficients of determination of 0.9832, 0.9, and 0.99 for clay loam, sandy loam, and sandy loam soils, respectively. An algorithm developed using a polynomial relationship between the EC of each selected soil sample at all moisture and N levels can be used to develop a sensor for site-specific N application.

Tillage enhances soil physical condition which favors root growth and crop productivity. Though, continuous rotary tillage at same depth leads to the formation of plough pan which slowdown crop productivity. Some serious speculations have been made about rotary tillage that in long run it induces subsoil compaction. This study was conducted at farmers’ field in Malhendi , Shamli (UP) to investigate the effect of prolonged use of rototilling with special attention to subsoil compaction. The experimental sites were under rotary tillage (RT) under wheat for last 15 years under rice-wheat cropping system which compared with conventional tillage (CT-cultivator harrow). The crop growth and yield was reduced under RT due high mechanical impedance and BD in deeper layer as compared to CT. In upper soil strata (5-15 cm) the cone index of RT (505kPa-2057kPa) soils are lesser than that of CT (625-2257kPa) while in subsoil layer (45cm) it becomes severe under RT(4578 kPa) compared to CT (2468 kPa). Similar trend found in bulk density under both tillage treatments. The bulk densities observed before tillage at 0-15cm, 15-30 and 30-45cm depth were 1.50 Mg/m3 and 1.56 Mg/m3,1.37 Mg/m3 for CT 1.42 Mg/m3 1.67 Mg/m3 and 1.81 Mg/m3 for RT respectively. The grain yields were (5909 kg/ha) and (4594 kg/ha) under CT and RT tillage system respectively. The CT system well performed in plant height, no of tillers and root growth characteristics, viz. root length density, root volume than that of RT. Performing studies shows that long-term RT induced subsoil compaction which needs some amelioration tillage management.

The importance of organic manure as soil amendment is increasing day by day especially for the improvement of soil health. Flower waste has a high moisture content and easily degradable carbon content. A long duration leachate and odour problem arises during accumulation of flowers. The study aimed on changes in the physico-chemical parameters during the pit method composting of flowers using effective microbial consortium. Four different composting mixturemarigold flower waste + Dried Leaves (1:1), Marigold flower waste + Dried leaves (1:1) + Microbial consortium, Rajnigandha flower waste + Dried leaves(1:1) and Rajnigandha flower waste + Dried leaves (1:1) + Microbial Consortium were prepared. Results revealed that the temperature profile in all the treatments in cemented pits showed a rapid procedure from ambient temperature of 32ºC to 55ºC. The maximum temperature obtained was 55ºC within six days in the pits and pH varied from 4.5 to 5.5 and after 30 days it was found to be 7.0. The measurement of humus content was observed more in the treatments where fungal inoculants were applied as compared to un-inoculated treatments. The final product was rich in carbon, nitrogen content and was found non-phytotoxic.

A study was conducted in 12 blocks selected from three districts, viz. Aligarh, Hathras and Etah of Aligarh Division in order to assess the farm power machinery demand-supply gap and hence the future scope for custom hiring of farm machinery. It was found that the threshold level of land ownership for purchasing tractor-implement system in all the 12 blocks was 2 ha. In all the 12 blocks, medium category farmers owned 54-73% tractors, followed by large category 27-39% and 4-10% by semi-medium category of farmers. Khair block of Aligarh District showed highest tractor annual use hours (549 h) for different purposes, followed by Atrauli block of Aligarh (509 h) and Nidhauli Kalan block of District Etah (502 h). Tractor owners used the tractors for their own use for 70.57-79% of total working hours. Agricultural use in own farms by tractor owners ranged between 72.86- 86.50% of the working hours spent on their own uses. Cropping intensity was found to be positively correlated with tractor density. Wheat sowing machine, wheat thresher, combine harvester and rotavator were found to have a great opportunity for use a as custom hiring venture, being used more than 50% of their annual use solely for the purpose of custom hiring.