Machinery, Plants and Equipment for Precision Farming
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
To learn the methodologies, tools and sensors to monitor and control the housing environment in livestock farms. To know the concepts for evaluating the different methods of monitoring and processing the data of environmental conditions (microclimate, structures, equipment, management) in the farm directly and through the behavioral response of the animals.
To provide in-depth knowledge of the technological aspects behind the interconnection between the farm information system and the control systems equipping the farm machines and plants.
To know and manage the technological systems enabling to implement site-specific operations. Learn about the prospects for the application of robotic technologies in agriculture.
To provide in-depth knowledge of the technological aspects behind the interconnection between the farm information system and the control systems equipping the farm machines and plants.
To know and manage the technological systems enabling to implement site-specific operations. Learn about the prospects for the application of robotic technologies in agriculture.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to identify the systems (sensors, equipment, data processing methods) useful for monitoring the environmental conditions and the behavior of the animals according to the objectives of the farmer. Achievement of methods for processing and analysis of the collected data for the early identification of animals or groups of animals with anomalous situations. Criteria for the implementation of environmental control systems in livestock facilities.
Ability to identify the most appropriate precision agricultural technology solutions according to the specific needs of the farm. Capability to manage, configure, interface, program the precision farming systems commonly adopted on modern tractors and agricultural machines.
Ability to identify the most appropriate precision agricultural technology solutions according to the specific needs of the farm. Capability to manage, configure, interface, program the precision farming systems commonly adopted on modern tractors and agricultural machines.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
UD1 - Innovation technology for Precision Livestock Farming (4CFU)
Livestock production today: Worldwide situation and European framework
Basic principles of livestock physiology, concepts of animal health, welfare and behaviour, animal welfare status assessment.
PLF: from principles behind the technology applied on farms to existing systems
IT technologies used in livestock farms, sound analysis, video analysis, development of algorithms.
Measurable parameters through PLF.
Examples of PLF use in the intensive pig, dairy, poultry (Broilers and layers) farms, extensive farms and aquaculture.
Analysis of the information provided by the sensors and technologies installed on farm, labelling, validation and development of PLF systems
Future and perspectives of PLF
UD2 - Machines and equipment for Precision Agriculture (4CFU)
Functionalities and architecture of automation systems in agricultural machines and farm plants
Sensors in agricultural machines and plants: operation, features and output
Microcontrollers, digital data and bus communication, CAN and ISOBUS
Electric actuators and power hydraulics: operation and automatic control
Site-specific inputs and outputs: data acquisition by onboard sensors, actuation of prescription maps. Spatio-temporal resolution of site-specific operations
Operational analysis of precision agriculture machines and equipment: tillage, planting, fertilization, protection, harvesting (forages, grains, vegetables, fruit and grapevine)
Livestock production today: Worldwide situation and European framework
Basic principles of livestock physiology, concepts of animal health, welfare and behaviour, animal welfare status assessment.
PLF: from principles behind the technology applied on farms to existing systems
IT technologies used in livestock farms, sound analysis, video analysis, development of algorithms.
Measurable parameters through PLF.
Examples of PLF use in the intensive pig, dairy, poultry (Broilers and layers) farms, extensive farms and aquaculture.
Analysis of the information provided by the sensors and technologies installed on farm, labelling, validation and development of PLF systems
Future and perspectives of PLF
UD2 - Machines and equipment for Precision Agriculture (4CFU)
Functionalities and architecture of automation systems in agricultural machines and farm plants
Sensors in agricultural machines and plants: operation, features and output
Microcontrollers, digital data and bus communication, CAN and ISOBUS
Electric actuators and power hydraulics: operation and automatic control
Site-specific inputs and outputs: data acquisition by onboard sensors, actuation of prescription maps. Spatio-temporal resolution of site-specific operations
Operational analysis of precision agriculture machines and equipment: tillage, planting, fertilization, protection, harvesting (forages, grains, vegetables, fruit and grapevine)
Prerequisites for admission
Basics of livestock farming management and of rural buildings
Knowledge of agricultural mechanization
Knowledge of agricultural mechanization
Teaching methods
Classes
Focus groups on analysis and design of PA technology
Sensors and automation demo labs
Focus groups on analysis and design of PA technology
Sensors and automation demo labs
Teaching Resources
"Agricoltura di precisione", Edagricole
"Precision in Crop Farming", Springer Ed
Technical and scientific papers issued by the Instructors
"Precision in Crop Farming", Springer Ed
Technical and scientific papers issued by the Instructors
Assessment methods and Criteria
UD1 (4CFU)- The exam tests the understanding of the topics covered during the course , both to enhance the project idea and the exposure skills of the students. It consists of an oral exam with the presentation by groups of students of the PLF products designed.
UD2 (4CFU)- The exam tests the knowledge of the topic, the property of technical communication and the ability of linking interdisciplinary concepts, through an in-depth presentation of a case study of PA machine/equipment
UD2 (4CFU)- The exam tests the knowledge of the topic, the property of technical communication and the ability of linking interdisciplinary concepts, through an in-depth presentation of a case study of PA machine/equipment
Controllo delle condizioni ambientali in zootecnia di precisione
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION
AGR/10 - RURAL BUILDINGS AND AGRO - FOREST LAND PLANNING
AGR/10 - RURAL BUILDINGS AND AGRO - FOREST LAND PLANNING
Field activity: 8 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Guarino Marcella Patrizia Maria
Macchine e impianti per l'agricoltura di precisione
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION
AGR/10 - RURAL BUILDINGS AND AGRO - FOREST LAND PLANNING
AGR/10 - RURAL BUILDINGS AND AGRO - FOREST LAND PLANNING
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Calcante Aldo, Oberti Roberto
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment only
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Engineering area
Reception:
make an appointment
via Celoria 2 - Building 10: Ingegneria Agraria