Precision Agriculture Equipment and Field Application
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Depth understanding of the technological aspects underlying the interconnection between farm information systems and the automation systems adopted in machinery and equipment.
Be familiar with the characteristics and management methods of technological systems enabling precision farming operations.
To know the prospects of robotic technologies in agriculture.
Be familiar with the characteristics and management methods of technological systems enabling precision farming operations.
To know the prospects of robotic technologies in agriculture.
Expected learning outcomes
Be able to identify the most suitable precision agriculture technological solutions based on specific farm needs.
Know how to use examples of computer platforms to manage, configure, and interface with major precision agriculture systems adopted in tractor and farm machinery.
Develop simple programming algorithms for precision agriculture systems implemented in operational machinery for the distribution of production factors.
Know how to use examples of computer platforms to manage, configure, and interface with major precision agriculture systems adopted in tractor and farm machinery.
Develop simple programming algorithms for precision agriculture systems implemented in operational machinery for the distribution of production factors.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Functions and architecture of automation systems in PA machinery and equipment.
Sensors in machinery and equipment: operating principles, characteristics, output signals.
Microcontrollers, interconnection, and data buses. CAN and ISOBUS.
Electric and hydraulic actuators: operation and automatic control.
Site-specific inputs and outputs: data acquisition from onboard sensors, technologies, and algorithms for prescription map execution.
From prescription map to field implementation: prerequisites, data interoperability.
Examples of information systems for precision agriculture: features, compatibility, inputs, and outputs.
Spatial-temporal resolution of site-specific interventions. Adaptation of prescription maps to machine control systems and execution of precision farming operations.
Calibration, adjustment, and functional verification of site-specific distribution systems for production factors: seeders, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers.
Operational analysis of examples of machinery and equipment for precision agriculture: soil tillage, seeding, fertilization, crop treatments, harvesting (forage, grains, vegetables, grapes, and fruits)
Sensors in machinery and equipment: operating principles, characteristics, output signals.
Microcontrollers, interconnection, and data buses. CAN and ISOBUS.
Electric and hydraulic actuators: operation and automatic control.
Site-specific inputs and outputs: data acquisition from onboard sensors, technologies, and algorithms for prescription map execution.
From prescription map to field implementation: prerequisites, data interoperability.
Examples of information systems for precision agriculture: features, compatibility, inputs, and outputs.
Spatial-temporal resolution of site-specific interventions. Adaptation of prescription maps to machine control systems and execution of precision farming operations.
Calibration, adjustment, and functional verification of site-specific distribution systems for production factors: seeders, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers.
Operational analysis of examples of machinery and equipment for precision agriculture: soil tillage, seeding, fertilization, crop treatments, harvesting (forage, grains, vegetables, grapes, and fruits)
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of agricultural mechanization
Teaching methods
Class lectures. Guided discussions for the analysis and definition of precision agriculture systems. Practical labs on management systems for PA, sensing, and automation for PA
Teaching Resources
"Agricultura di Precisione" Edagricole
"Precision in Crop Farming," Springer Ed
Technical documents and papers provided in class
"Precision in Crop Farming," Springer Ed
Technical documents and papers provided in class
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of the presentation and discussion of a case study of a selected PA agricultural machinery/equipment.
Evaluation criteria for the grade are: i) level of knowledge of subject, ii) language and ability in technical-scientific communication, iii) ability to propose interdisciplinary connections
Evaluation criteria for the grade are: i) level of knowledge of subject, ii) language and ability in technical-scientific communication, iii) ability to propose interdisciplinary connections
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION - University credits: 6
Field activity: 8 hours
Computer room practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Computer room practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professors:
Calcante Aldo, Oberti Roberto
Shifts:
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