Department of Agricultural Engineering

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  • Item
    A Computer Model For Farm Machinery Selection
    (University of Khartoum, 2005) Fawzi Hamad Elniel Mas’oud ; Omer Mohamed Eltom Elshami ; Agricultural Engineering
    A Machinery Selection Model (MSM) was developed with the objectives of: - determining the number of workdays available for field work and the probability of occurrence of these days in the Rahad Scheme in Sudan, - determining optimum or near optimum machinery sets for an arable farm, with special reference to the Rahad Scheme. The Model was developed using Turbo-Pascal language, consisting of three segments, namely: a Workday segment (WorkMod), a Physical Selection segment (PhysMod), and an Economical Selection segment (EconMod). The input data for the program were: climatic, soilو crop, operations, and machine data. The output was: - Number of workdays available for field work and the probability of occurrence of these days, - Size and number of tillage implements and tractors required to complete the field operation in a reasonably short time, - Economical selection of other implements, (Minimum-cost width and optimum width) and number of tractors required to perform these operations. The sensitivity test of the Model showed that the Model is dynamic and the validity test also gave positive results. Numerical check was also done using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The Model is user friendly, self guiding and can be a good planning aid tool for managers in farm machinery selection.
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    Designing and Developing an Automated Sprinkler Irrigation System
    (University of Khartoum, 2006) Abdelrahman Ismail Abdelrahman Adam ; Abdel Moneim Elamin Mohamed ; Agricultural Engineering
    A study of designing and developing an automated sprinkler irrigation system was conducted during 2003-2006 at the Faculty of Agriculture-University of Khartoum-Sudan. The study also included soil characteristics (textural class, bulk density, and infiltration) and physical moisture content determination. A computer model was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 (Sp6), to design the permanent sprinkler irrigation system used in the experiments. An electronic controller closed-loop system based on soil moisture content made from the local market available materials was also developed. A soil moisture content sensor and rain shutoff devices were designed and constructed for the purpose of the study. The results of soil moisture sensor calibration for clay soil showed that the upper range for the sensor to turn-off the sprinkler system was 26.3%, and the lower point to turn on the system was 17% (as required), both on weight basis. The results of the evaluation of the designed automated sprinkler irrigation system for one zone (square pattern) and for the whole system were as follows respectively: the distribution uniformity DU was 81% and 82%, the Christiansen coefficient CU was found to be 88% and 89%, the scheduling coefficient was 1.2 for both, the application rate was 10.1 mm/h, and 8.9 mm/h, the application efficiency was 90% and 79%, water losses during sprinkler irrigation testing were 1.2 mm, and 2.4 mm. The rain control device shut-off the system when rain depth reached 6.4 mm.
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    Tillage Implements Performance and their Effects on Two Types of Soil in Khartoum Area
    (University of Khartoum, 2007) Safia Abdel Moniem Elzain Alnahas ; Mohamed Hassan Dahab ; Agricultural Engineering
    An experiment was carried out during September 2006 at two different locations, the Demonstration farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum at Shambat (fallow ridged sandy clay soil), and clay soil of Abu–halema project (15 Km north of Khartoum).The experiment was conducted to investigate and compare the effect of three types of tillage implements (Chisel plough, offset disc harrow, and ridger) on soil bulk density, porosity, soil aggregation stability, and soil resistance to penetration in the two different locations. At the same time to identify some field performance parameters: wheel slippage, fuel consumption rate and field efficiency of the three implements. All soil and field performance parameters were analyzed by using complete randomized block design. The results indicated no significant differences between the effect of tillage treatments on the soil bulk density in the sandy clay soil location, while they have significantly (p<0.01) affected the soil porosity, the soil aggregation stability and soil resistance to penetration. The ridger recorded the highest mean bulk density (1.33 gm/cm³), and the lowest mean porosity (48.23%) and resistance to penetration (4.2 Kg/cm²). The disc harrow gave the highest mean aggregation stability (35.63%) while the lowest value (30.64%) measured by the no-tillage treatment. In contrast to the disc harrow and the ridger, the chisel plough gave the over– all higher mean penetration resistance (9.0Kg/cm²).At the clay soil location, the tillage treatments did not record any significant differences on their effects on bulk density. Generally bulk density increased with depth while porosity was decreased. All the tillage implements significantly (p<0.01) decreased the aggregation stability of soil, the disc harrow recorded the lowest mean aggregation stability of (25.73%) compared to (56.34%) for no-tillage treatment. The implements performance parameters showed higher slippage, fuel consumption rates, and field efficiencies especially for chisel and ridger implements at sandy clay soil location. The disc harrow gave the highest field efficiency of (79.9%) at the clay soil location. The chisel plough demonstrated the highest wheel slippage (19.2%) and fuel consumption rate (15.7L/ha). The lowest slippage (10.4%) and fuel consumption rates (5.97 L/ha -1.06 L/hr) were recorded by the disc harrow.
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    Center Pivot Irrigation System Performance and Alfalfa Water Productivity Under Northern State Conditions
    (University of Khartuom, 2015) Ahmed Elmuiz Elkamel Elhassan Mohammed Elidrisi ; Abdel Moneim Elamin Mohammed ; Agricultural Engineering
    This study was conducted at three schemes in the Northern State during the period from November 2014 to May 2015. These schemes are located on the east bank of the River Nile about 32 km north of Dongla town. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the performance of center pivot irrigation systems. The split plot experimental design was adopted and for the analysis of data the Excel method was followed. The parameters studied were application efficiency, uniformity coefficient and uniformity of distribution. The productivity of alfalfa (ton/hectare/cut) and water productivity (kg/m3) under the Northern State soil and climatic conditions for the three schemes were determined. Results were statistically compared with those obtained from farms under traditional surface irrigation systems (basin irrigation).The results showed that the application efficiency of the centre pivot irrigation systems ranged from 50% to 74%. The uniformity coefficient ranged from 63% to 78%, while uniformity of distribution ranged from 46% to 69% for the three centre pivot schemes. The productivity of alfalfa (per cut) on dry weight basis ranged from 1.3 to 2.4 ton/ha/cut under the center pivot irrigation systems. As for the surface irrigation the productivity was found to be 3.6 ton/ha/cut. The water productivity ranged from 1.2 to 2.3 kg/m3/cut, while for the surface irrigation system water productivity was found to be 1.3 kg /m3/cut. The results obtained regarding system efficiencies are very low and regarded as poor. The productivity of alfalfa (on dry mass basis) followed the trend of the efficiencies (very low). The centre pivot irrigation system was found superior in water productivity compared to the traditional irrigation systems. The study indicates that there are problems regarding the performance of these systems. These problems were in the operation of the systems (speed of travel), lack of maintenance, sprinkler nozzle size, nozzle clogging and system operator. For satisfactory performance of centre pivot irrigation systems, proper techniques, periodic evaluation, proper maintenance and correct operating guidelines should be followed and trained persons should be employed. أجريت هذه الدراسة في ثلاثة مشاريع بالولاية الشمالية في الفترة من نوفمبر 2014 الى مايو 2015م. تقع هذه المشاريع في الضفه الشرقية لنهر النيل على بعد حوالي 32 كلم شمال مدينة دنقلا. الهدف من الدراسة هو تقييم أداء نظم الري المحوري. صممت هذه الدراسة بنظام القطاعات المنشقة وحللت البيانات إحصائيا بإستخدام برنامج إكسل. الخصائص التي تمت دراستها كانت كفاءة الإضافه، معامل الانتظام وانتظام التوزيع. قورنت إنتاجية البرسيم (طن/هكتار/قطعة) وكفاءة إنتاجية ماء الري (كجم/م3) تحت ظروف تربة ومناخ الولاية الشمالية للمشاريع الثلاثة مع النتائج المتحصل عليها من المزارع التي تستخدم نظام الري السطحي التقليدي (الري بالاحواض). أظهرت النتائج أن كفاءة الإضافه لنظام الري المحوري تترواح بين 50% و74%. ويتراوح معامل الانتظام بين 63% و78%, بينما يتراوح انتظام التوزيع بين 46% و69%. إنتاجية البرسيم على اساس الوزن الجاف تراوحت من 1.2 الى 2.3 طن/هكتار/قطعة بالنسبة لمشاريع الري المحوري الثلاثة. اما بالنسبة لنظام الري السطحي كانت الانتاجية 3.6 طن/هكتار/قطعة. تراوحت كفاءة إنتاجية الماء في نظام الري المحوري من 1.2 الى 2.3 كجم/م3/قطعة بينما كفاءة إنتاجية الماء في نظام الري السطحي كانت 1.3 كجم/م3/قطعة. اظهرت النتائج المتحصل عليها بخصوص كفاءات النظام انها ضعيفة جداً. إنتاجية البرسيم (على اساس الوزن الجاف) أخذ منحى كفاءات النظام (ضعيفة جداً). بينما وجد أن نظام الري بالرش المحوري هو الأفضل من حيث كفاءة إنتاجية الماء مقارنةً مع نظم الري السطحي التقليدي. لوحظ ان هناك مشاكل متعلقة باداء هذه الانظمة. تتمثل هذه المشاكل في تشغيل الأنظمة (سرعة الحركة) وضعف الصيانة وحجم فتحة الرشاش وإنسداد فوهة الرشاشات وعامل تشغيل النظام. للحصول على أداء مرض لنظام الري المحوري يجب الأخذ فى الإعتبار التقنيات المناسبة والتقييم الدوري للنظام والصيانة الجيدة وإتباع التوجيهات الصحيحة للتشغيل وتوظيف الأشخاص المدربين.
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    Physical Properties Of Western Sudan Watermelon (Citrullus Vulgaris) And Watermelon Seeds
    (UOFK, 2015-04-28) Mohammed, Nuha Hussein Ibrahim ; Dr. Abbas Yousif Eltigani ; Architecture
    This study was conducted to determine the physical properties of Western Sudan watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) and watermelon seeds to be used in the design of a machine to harvest and separate watermelon seeds from the pulp. The samples were selected from the 2003/04 and 2004/05 growing seasons. The actual volume of watermelon was determined by water displacement method and then the watermelon density and specific gravity were determined. The three axial diameters were measured using an overhead projector. The relationship between the actual volume and the measured dimensions was determined to verify that the estimated volume may be used as a criterion to decide that if these dimensions were sufficient to define watermelon form. The shape of Western Sudan watermelon was resembled by sphere, oblate spheroid and prolate spheroid. The predicted watermelon volumes using the three geometric shapes models were related to the actual volumes. The actual watermelon surface area was determined using a digital planimeter then the rind thickness was measured using a vernier caliper. The predicted surface areas using the three geometric shapes were related to the actual surface areas. The actual watermelon surface area was related to its weight and volume by assuming a linear and non-linear regression models. The predicted surface areas using these two models were related to the actual surface areas. The initial moisture content of watermelon seeds was determined using an air oven method. Then the specific gravity of watermelon seeds was determined using the method of pycnometer and toluene. The weight of 100 seeds, the percentage of red and brown seeds and the percentage of large seeds were recorded to be used in grading the watermelon seeds. The oil content of each watermelon seed variety was found using a soxhelt extracting apparatus. The results showed that both the watermelon density and specific gravity were 0.876 g/cc and 0.892, respectively. The estimated watermelon volume can be used as adequate criterion then the measurement of three axial dimensions, gave a complete theoretical specification of the watermelon shape and size. The oblate spheroid model was found to be more accurate in predicting the volume and surface area of Western Sudan watermelon compared to the sphere and the prolate spheroid models. This suggested that the watermelon shape can be described by an oblate spheroid. The average rind thickness of watermelon was 0.37 mm. Linear regression models were developed to correlate the watermelon surface area with both its weight and volume. It was found that there was strong correlation between the watermelon surface area and its volume than with its weight. Also it was found that the oblate spheroid model was the most accurate predictor of the watermelon surface area among the models tested. The average initial moisture content of the watermelon seeds dried at 105±1°C for 48 hrs was 38.2% (moisture, w. b.). Based on this moisture content, the average specific gravity of the watermelon seeds was 1.016. The watermelon seeds involved in this study were graded as Super Casheir, Casheir, Normal White and Farrasha – third. The watermelon seeds yield a valuable amount of oil ranged from 20.05 to 24.05%.
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    Response of Groundnut (Archis Hypogaea L.)Growth and Yield to Different Irrigation Regimes and Tillage Systems Under New Halfa Area Conditions
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05) Tag Elsir Abdel Rahman Ahmed ; Abdelmoneim Elamin Mohamed ; Agricultural Engineering
    A study was conducted at the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kassala (New Halfa) for two consecutive seasons (2002/03 and 2003/04). The study investigated the response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) crop to irrigation scheduling under different tillage practices, machine performance and net return. Irrigation scheduling treatment consisted of irrigation water amounts and intervals. Irrigation water amounts used were 100% and 75% of Penman-Monteith ETC, and irrigation water intervals were 10, 15 and 20 days. The different tillage practices applied were discing, ridging, harrowing and no-tillage as a control treatment. Machine parameters tested were tractor wheel slippage, tractor speed, fuel consumption, field efficiency and capacity. The experiments were arranged in a strip split plot design. Tillage treatments were located in the main plots, irrigation water amounts in strip plots and irrigation intervals in sub-strip plot. The variables tested included soil moisture content, bulk density and crop growth and yield components which included plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, plant dry weight, days to 50% flowering, number of pegs per plant, 100 seed weight, shelling percentage, number of pods per plant, pod yield and field water use efficiency. The costs of tillage, sowing, irrigation, weeding and harvesting were calculated. Groundnut net return for each treatment was determined. All results were analyzed using suitable statistical techniques. Soil moisture content was found to be significantly affected by tillage. The highest moisture content % was obtained at 0.0 – 25 cm soil depth under disc ploughing treatment in both seasons. The lowest soil bulk density was also recorded under disc ploughing treatment at the same soil depth. Tillage had a highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on plant height and number of branches per plant in both seasons. Disc ploughing resulted in the highest plant height and number of branches per plant. Tillage had a highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on number of pods per plant, pod yield and water use efficiency in both seasons. The number of pegs per plant penetrated the soil was significantly affected by tillage (P< 0.05) in the second season. Tillage and irrigation water amount interaction had no significant effect (P> 0.05) on plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, plant dry weight, days to 50% flowering and on yield and yield related characters. Irrigation interval was found to have a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, and plant dry weight at different growing period in both seasons except that the number of leaves and branches per plant at 34 days from sowing (in season 2003/04) where the effect of irrigation interval was not significant (P> 0.05). On the other hand irrigation interval signi-ficantly affected (P< 0.05) the number of successfully penetrated pegs per plant (in season 2002/03) and number of pods per plant (in season 2003/04). Irrigation interval had a highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on number of pods per plant (in season 2002/03), pod yield and water use efficiency (in season 2002/03 and 2003/04). Only the number of pods per plant (in season 2003/04) was significantly affected (P< 0.05) by water amount and interval interaction. Tillage and irrigation interval interaction had a highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on plant height and number of branches per plant at 62 and 76 days from sowing (in season 2002/03) and at 62 and 90 days from sowing for number of branches (in seasons 2003/04). The interaction significantly affected the plant height at 90 days from sowing (in season 2002/03) and at 62 days from sowing (in season 2003/04) and the number of leaves per plant at 62 days from sowing (in season 2003/04), the number of branches and plant dry weight at 48 days from sowing (in season 2003/04) were also affected. On the other hand tillage and irrigation interval interaction had a highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on number of successfully penetrated pegs per plant (in season 2002/03) and on number of pods per plant, pod yield and water use efficiency in both seasons. Tractor speed and field efficiency were significantly affected (P< 0.05) by implement type, while slippage, field capacity and fuel consumption were highly significantly affected by implement type of (P< 0.01) level. However, the highest speed of 5.22 km/h was recorded under disc harrow which also recorded the lowest field efficiency of 0.62. Ridger resulted in the highest tractor wheel slippage of 16.91% which also recorded the highest field efficiency of 0.74 and actual field capacity of 1.01 ha/h. Disc plough recorded the lowest actual field capacity of 0.20 ha/h and the highest fuel consumption rate of 14.90 L/ha. Groundnut harvesting cost constituted the major part of the total production cost followed by weeding and tillage. Disc ploughing treatment under frequent irrigation (10 days interval) and 100% Penman-Moneith ETC each irrigation resulted in the highest groundnut net return.
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    Physical Properties of Western Sudan Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris)And Watermelon Seeds
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-04) Nuha Hussein Ibrahim Mohammed ; Abbas Yousif Eltigani
    This study was conducted to determine the physical properties of Western Sudan watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) and watermelon seeds to be used in the design of a machine to harvest and separate watermelon seeds from the pulp. The samples were selected from the 2003/04 and 2004/05 growing seasons. The actual volume of watermelon was determined by water displacement method and then the watermelon density and specific gravity were determined. The three axial diameters were measured using an overhead projector. The relationship between the actual volume and the measured dimensions was determined to verify that the estimated volume may be used as a criterion to decide that if these dimensions were sufficient to define watermelon form. The shape of Western Sudan watermelon was resembled by sphere, oblate spheroid and prolate spheroid. The predicted watermelon volumes using the three geometric shapes models were related to the actual volumes. The actual watermelon surface area was determined using a digital planimeter then the rind thickness was measured using a vernier caliper. The predicted surface areas using the three geometric shapes were related to the actual surface areas. The actual watermelon surface area was related to its weight and volume by assuming a linear and non-linear regression models. The predicted surface areas using these two models were related to the actual surface areas. The initial moisture content of watermelon seeds was determined using an air oven method. Then the specific gravity of watermelon seeds was determined using the method of pycnometer and toluene. The weight of 100 seeds, the percentage of red and brown seeds and the percentage of large seeds were recorded to be used in grading the watermelon seeds. The oil content of each watermelon seed variety was found using a soxhelt extracting apparatus. The results showed that both the watermelon density and specific gravity were 0.876 g/cc and 0.892, respectively. The estimated watermelon volume can be used as adequate criterion then the measurement of three axial dimensions, gave a complete theoretical specification of the watermelon shape and size. The oblate spheroid model was found to be more accurate in predicting the volume and surface area of Western Sudan watermelon compared to the sphere and the prolate spheroid models. This suggested that the watermelon shape can be described by an oblate spheroid. The average rind thickness of watermelon was 0.37 mm. Linear regression models were developed to correlate the watermelon surface area with both its weight and volume. It was found that there was strong correlation between the watermelon surface area and its volume than with its weight. Also it was found that the oblate spheroid model was the most accurate predictor of the watermelon surface area among the models tested. The average initial moisture content of the watermelon seeds dried at 105±1°C for 48 hrs was 38.2% (moisture, w. b.). Based on this moisture content, the average specific gravity of the watermelon seeds was 1.016. The watermelon seeds involved in this study were graded as Super Casheir, Casheir, Normal White and Farrasha – third. The watermelon seeds yield a valuable amount of oil ranged from 20.05 to 24.05%. Key Words: Western Sudan watermelon; physical properties; criterion.
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    Determination of Equilibrium Moisture Content of Roselle Caylx
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-07) Sahar Gaafar Ahmed Dafa Alla ; Mohamed Ayoub Ismail ; Agricultural Engineering
    An experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat Campus for the determination of the EMC of whole and broken roselle calyx. For both particle sizes three adsorption isotherms (10oC, 30oC and 50oC) and two desorption isotherms (30oC and 50oC) were determined. The objective of the study is to study the effect of surrounding air RH, surrounding air temperature and particle size on the EMC variability of roselle calyx. Graphical representation and statistical analysis showed that,a polynomial function exists between RH and EMC for both adsorption and desorption isotherms. In general as RH increases EMC increases. Above 85% RH no EMC values were obtained due to the grown of mould on the tested samples. Temperature in general was found to have a negative relationship with EMC i.e. as temperature increases EMC decreases. No hysteresis effects between adsorption and desorption EMC values was observed. Particle size seemed to have no effect on the variability of EMC
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    Biscuits from Composite Flour of Wheat and Sorghum
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-10) Ibtihag Awad Abdalla Mahmoud ; Paul Lado Bureng ; Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
    The study is designed to assess the effectiveness of perceived benefits from ACORD's smallholders assistance project, in improving the living conditions of the people in the ten studied Villages in Juba Rural Area council of Bahr El Jebel State. The impact is assessed in terms of adoption and diffusion of innovations for the benefits of community affected The conceptual model and the hypothesis of the adoption and diffusion of innovations used in the study involved the Nature of Innovation and its characteristics of perceived risk, cost, perceived complexity, availability and profitability as influencing factors for the innovations to be adopted and diffused into the social system. In the same study a number of Dependable variables were used, which include perceived benefits, diversification of field crops and diversification of horticultural crops, while the casual variables include age, education, farm size, exposure to extension training and innovativeness. Also in the study pathsets and regression analyses were used where age has been used as exogenous variable as well as intercorrilation matrix In the study a number of analytical techniques were used for the testing of hypothesis which included descriptive statistics, tabular analysis (frequency distribution) correlation, regression, t-test and F-test respectively. The descriptive analysis and tabular analysis have been used to describe the different variables in the study. Correlation is to determine the degree of association between variables, while regression analysis is to test the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The t-test of analysis is to show the significance of the differences between male and female group means as well as determining factors affecting the perceived benefits from ACORD's programme, which make up the ultimate measure of the benefit. The area of study included the ten Villages along the East and West banks of the Nile, at about fifteen miles radius around Juba Town. The Villages were selected using a quota basis were in each Village fifteen households were selected systematically (every fourth house was selected regardless of sex of the household member present in the house). Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire and interview scheduled by the author, assisted by a team of five research assistants. The secondary data were collected from ACORD's field office in Juba and Khartoum as well as information collected from various libraries in Juba and Khartoum contributing to the literature review. Major Findings and Recommendations During the data analysis the following emerged as the major finding and the recommendations provided to correct the situation. ACCORD introduced mainly innovations in a very short time ranging from simple to complex innovations. As such the impact on the adoption rate was minimal. It is recommended that your organization introduce few innovations at any one time starting with simple ones, which can provide immediate and profitable results to the community members. The tractor hire service proved to be one of the most successful innovations at the beginning. But it decline later because very few of the tractors were being use in comparison to the farmers demanding their use, as a result, also of breakdown and lack of spare parts as well as qualified mechanics to carry out repair on time. It is recommended that your organization provide enough tractors to cover all the villages and to provide the spare parts immediately when need arises. It should also train enough mechanics to carry out on the sport repairs in case of break down. The few water irrigation pumps introduce to a number of villages proved successful. But shortages of fuel and spare parts to these fuel pumps were a drawback to the success of the innovations. It is recommended that fuel, spar parts, and mechanics be made available by the organization to necessitate continuity of the project. Lack of transportation of the product to the market centres in Juba town limited the production of the food commodities. It is recommended that the organization and state ministry of agriculture provide transport to the farmers such as bicycles or motorboats or even ordinary boats on loan to the farmers as incentives to encourage them to produce more crops for the market. The exchange farmers visits to different villages has helped to bring the farmers together and to learn from each other experiences as well as to share ideas. It is recommended that the organization formalizes and regularizes these visits to include those communities or villages that are not yet exposed to the program. The majority of the community members in the ten villages are illiterate, and this has contributed to the low rate of adoption and subsequent diffusion of the innovations. It is recommended that the state ministry of education in particular the department of adult education intensify on-going literacy campaign program in collaboration with the university of Juba department of adult education, to include in their curriculum functional literacy in all the villages to encourage learning. There are several NGOs working the same villages carrying out the same activities as those of ACCORD. This has created duplication of efforts and confusion among the community members as recipients of the introduced innovations. To avoid this, it is recommended that all the organization concerned come together and spell out what each one is to be involve in a particular innovation and this need the presence of state government as the main stakeholder so as to reduce these anomalies. The ratio of each village extension worker to the number of farming communities is 1:1000. This makes it difficult for the agent to efficiently cover all the farmers in his/her location through interpersonal communication. It is recommended that the state ministry of agriculture and natural resources train enough village level extension worker/agent to reduce the ration to a manageable level for effective performances. ACCORD has spread itself thinly on the ground by involving itself in so many activities (e.g. HIV/AIDS, Relief work, Education, Agriculture, Gender issues, etc.) with limited resources and budgets. As a result, it has little impact on some of these activities. It is therefore recommended that the organization concentrate its efforts on agriculture development as its main area of activities and live the rest of the activities to other agencies. The program has witness and is continuing to have serious disruptions from regular visits and supervisions by the extension agents and management team to the farmers. This due to the delays in issuing movement permits by the security organs and this has affected the rate of adoption and diffusion of the introduced innovations. It is recommended that the national government work hard to bring about a comprehensive and lasting peace to the whole country
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    Determination of Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of Gum Arabic Powder
    ( University of Khartoum, 2015-05-11) Babiker Ali Abaker Eshag ; Mohamed A. Ismail ; Agricultural Engineering
    This investigation was conducted at the Pharmaceutical laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan. The main objective of the work was to determine the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and to investigate the effect of the surrounding air Relative humidity (RH) and temperature (T) on the variability of equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal var. senegal) mechanical powder, as one of the key solutions to the trade of Gum Arabic in Sudan. Adsorption and desorption Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) data, were determined at 38°C and 50°C for a relative humidity (RH) range of 28.7%-96%. For both adsorption and desorption data, the isotherms obtained had a sigmoid shape (S-shape), which characterizes most biological products. In general, as the relative humidity (RH) increases equilibrium moisture content (EMC) increases. Results showed that the effect of relative humidity (RH) on equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of Gum Arabic variety senegal mechanical powder was statistically significant, whereas for temperature the effect was statistically insignificant. Comparing the adsorption and desorption isotherms it was observed that there was a reverse hysteresis effect (adsorption values were greater than desorption ones) ranged from 5.44% to 2.06% (d.b) for 50°C and 3.94% to 0.84% (d.b) for 38°C.
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    A Comparative Study between Drip and Furrow Irrigation Systems for Producing Okra (Hibiscus Esculentus)
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-12) Khalid Mubasher Mustafa ; Amir Bakheit Saeed ; Agricultural Engineering
    A drip irrigation system was designed and installed in the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum. The system was evaluated for it's performance relative to the conventional surface (furrow) irrigation method under the same conditions. An on-farm distribution efficiency as high as 96% was obtained for the drip irrigation system. A split plot experimental design was followed. Okra (Hibiscus Esculentus) was taken as an indicator plant. Two okra varieties (Pussa and Sennar) were tested for their watering requirements and agronomic performance, the parameters measured included leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, plant length, plant diameter and the ultimate crop yield. The okra plant agronomic parameters except plant diameter were significantly (p ≤0.05) affected by the irrigation method (drip and furrow). However there were no significant differences between okra varieties (Pussa and Sennar) in terms of leaf number, plant length, plant diameter and yield but there were significant differences with regard to leaf length and leaf width.
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    Evaluation Of Farm Machinery Services Management In New Halfa Agricultural Scheme (Sudan)
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-12) Ahmed Khalifa Idris Elbashir ; Mohammed Hassan Dahab ; Agricultural Engineering
    The study was conducted at New Halfa Agricultural Scheme to evaluate the machinery services management in the main workshop, and accordingly to suggest improvements to the present state after investigating the problems that adversely affect farm machinery services in the Scheme. A survey was carried out in the main workshop, other farm shops and in the field to collect data about the efficiency and performance of machinery and their averages repair and maintenance costs during the last four years (1999-2002), and also about the personnel recruited to take care of them, tools and equipment used, stock control procedures and types of buildings used in the main workshop sections. Analysis of data indicated that about 72%of wheeled and tracked tractors and about 78% of agricultural implements were out of work due to unavailability of spare parts and improper management and maintenance of machinery. Also it was observed that operators, mechanics and engineers were not adequately trained to do their particular jobs properly, and about 44% of operators and mechanics were idle, and therefore increasing the operating costs. Types of buildings, roofing and siding materials used were sufficient in providing better work conditions for services personnel. The workshop was well equipped with basic tools and equipment, and also with specialized power equipment, but hand tools used are not genuine parts and usually lead to lose of time and improper execution of work. Stock control procedures used in spare parts and supplies stores were efficient in keeping stores organization under close control. Accurate estimation of repair and maintenance costs of farm machinery was difficult because accurate records over the lifetime of a machine are usually not readily available. In this study the estimated repair and maintenance costs were greatly influenced by the age and annual hours of use of machines. Suggested measures to improve the present state of farm machinery services include; improved training programs for the operators and mechanics, supply of sufficient spare parts to keep machines always in work, execution of trade-in programs and using their scrap values in overhauling of broke down machines and gradual replacement of old machines to guarantee high annual hours of use of machines and reduce the costs of farm operations and then increase productivity per unit area and time.
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    Design and Evaluation of a Multi Grain Thresher and Groundnut Sheller Machine (Case Study South Dar Fur-Sudan)
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-13) Mohamed Salah Eldin Mohamed Abdel Rahaman ; Omer Mohamed Eltom ; Agricultural Engineering
    A multi grain thresher and groundnut sheller machine was designed to work under condition of South Dar Fur State. It was locally constructed in Nyala depending on the skill of the local artisans and the material that is available in the market. The whole machine was constructed from steel, sheets, angle iron, bars and bolts and nuts. The machine is mounted on two 600X15 wheels on a single axle that help the mobility of the machine between fields. And has a rigid drawbar with jack. The machine was provided with two types of drums. Pegs type drum is used for threshing sorghum and millet and the other type is the rasp bar for shelling groundnut. The cleaning system of the machine is achieved by means of a sucking fan with a back curved impeller sucks the chaff and shell from a shaker pan with screen fixed on it. The control of the speed of all revolving parts (Drums, fan and shaker) of the machine is through changing of pulleys. The machine was designed to be drive by 8 to 10 hp diesel or petrol engine that mounted on the main frame. The material is fed to the machine manually through the hopper and the final product is collected under the screen on a collecting pan. The results of test and the economic assessment under condition of South Dar Fur of the machine proved that the machine needs only three persons to operate. And it needs sum of SD 424500 as an investment cost on the machine. Which has annual return of SD 881100 this is more profitable than owning the Turkish thresher (HMT-1200SPX) which is now the only Thresher operating in the area in addition of its capability to thresh not to shell groundnut. On the other hand the results of the test indicated that the machine has a capacity of shelling 16-18 sack of groundnut per hour with shelling efficiency 94-96% and loss of kernel not more than 6.5%. And has threshing output 792 Kg of millet per hour with threshing efficiency 98% and not more than 3.1% grain damage and 4% of grain loss. While in threshing sorghum the results showed that the machine output is 480 Kg of sorghum per hour with threshing efficiency 99.2% and not more than 6.5% of grain loss.
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    Technical Evaluation Of Center Pivot Irrigation System For Lucerne (Medicago Sativa) Production In The River Nile State
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-17) Mohammed Abu EL gasim Osman Ali ; Amir Bakheit Saeed ; Agricultural Engineering
    Field experiments were carried out at Ras El Wadi Scheme in The River Nile State during the period from February to June 2004, to evaluate the performance of center pivot irrigation system for Lucerne production under The River Nile State soil and climatic conditions. The fieldwork included determination of field capacity, infiltration rate, soil bulk density, crop water requirements, application efficiency, pattern efficiency, coefficient of uniformity, nozzles discharge and wetted diameter related to their locations along the lateral and percentage of lost area. In addition a comparative study was conducted between the different towers using some selected plant growth attributes, viz: crop height, number of flowers per plant, number of plants, green and dry weights of fodder (per unit area) and productivity in ton/ha. The soil type was found to be a sandy clay loam. The average moisture content at field capacity was found to be 33.25%. The soil bulk density was found to be 1.5g/cm3. The initial infiltration rate was high and the basic infiltration rate ranges between 20 cm/hr to 32cm/hr. Investigations showed that under 50% speed the application efficiency was 87.2%. The uniformity coefficient was found to be 83%. The uniformity of distribution was found to be 74%. Nozzles discharge was found to increase outwards from the pivot point. Nozzles wetted diameter was also found to increase outwards to the last towers following designed sequence of the nozzle size. The area lost by wheel tracks and road was found to be 1.4% of the total irrigated area. Results showed a non-significant difference in plant height, among the different towers whereas a highly significant difference was noticed in number of flowers, number of plants, weight of wet fodder, weight of dry fodder (per unit area) and yield in ton/ha.
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    Evaluation of Farm Machinery Management System in Guneid Sugar Scheme (Sudan)
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-18) Ali Mohammed Ibrahim Zayan ; Mohamed Hassan Dahab ; Agricultural Engineering
    The agricultural machinery management system plays a great role in today's R06;farming, for its importance in making a profitable farm returns.R06; This study was conducted at Guneid Sugar Scheme to evaluate the farm R06;machinery management system during the seasons 2002/03 and 2003/04 in R06;terms of individual farm machinery costs, farm operations costs, rates of work, R06;and power requirements. R06; Comparison was made between the actual records of the scheme and the R06;standard management calculations carried out for the different farm machinery R06;parameters.R06; It was observed that, there were no significant differences between the actual R06;and calculated costs for the individual farm machinery make in the season and R06;between the two studied seasons. But the farm machinery makes revealed R06;highly significant differences in the individual mean costs value (P X04; 0.05). The R06;results showed that the costs types (actual and calculated) of the individual R06;farm machinery were varied. The average actual cost of the tractors in the two R06;seasons found to be less than the calculated by 6.73%, while it was greater for R06;the implements by 4.75%. Also the actual field operations costs were differ R06;from the calculated ones for the same field operation and between the two R06;seasons by 0.002%. But highly significant differences were observed between R06;the different field operations (P X04; 0.05). The calculated rates of work were R06;greater from the actual ones by 15.58%. This variation revealed no significant R06;difference between them. The average actual power used in the scheme was R06;greater from the calculated power requirement by 18.83%.R06; Accordingly, it’s important to improve the farm machinery management R06;system by proper recording of information’s, and better selection of farm R06;machinery. R06;
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    Determination of Friction Head Losses in Trickle (Bubbler) and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-05-19) Alawi Mohammed Alawi Alsaqaf ; Amir Bakheit Saeed ; Agricultural Engineering
    Field experiments were conducted at Al-Ain Central District of the General Public Gardens Directorate, Al-Ain Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The experiments were run to determine the friction head losses along the laterals of the trickle (bubbler) and sprinkler irrigation systems within the automated (computerized) irrigation system of the Central District. The results of the experiments indicated that there were no significant differences between the practically measured head losses and head losses as calculated by using friction head losses equations namely : the Hazen-Williams and Darcy-Weisbach when factor (G), as suggested by Anwar (1999) was used. The average measured head losses for trickle (bubbler) and sprinkler systems were 4.36 m and 4.18m, whereas their respective values as calculated by using Hazen-Williams equation and introducing Anwar's(G) factor were 4.20m and 4.64m. Factor (G) is a sequel to the widely used Christiansen's factor (F). It has the advantages to allow for an outflow at the downstream end of the pipeline beyond the last outlet. It can, therefore, be used for computation of frictional head losses and eventually designing of system such as trickle (bubblers) and sprinklers systems in which the pipelines have multiple diameter sizes and equally spaced outlets.
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    Effect of Cycle Ratio on Furrow Surge Irrigation Efficiency Using A Hydroflume (Gated-Pipe)
    ( University of Khartoum, 2015-05-24) Alssalih Kamal Alssafi Abdaldafi ; Abdel Moneim Elamin Mohamed ; Agricultural Engineering
    The practical part of the study was conducted at the University of Khartoum top farm, in Shambat during the period "2004-2005". To involve the investigation and evaluation of surge irrigation cycles on irrigation efficiencies, advance and recession times, advance velocities and opportunity time .The study as well measured the effect of surge irrigation technique, soil depth and location along the furrow on soil moisture content and infiltration rate. Application, distribution and storage efficiencies for all cycle ratios were determined tested. Soil moisture content down the profile at depths 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 and along the furrow run at 10m, 40m and 70m were determined. Furrow length was 80m and the flow rate was 1 liter/second. The advancing front of water reached the end of furrow in 28 minutes. The treatments included four-cycle ratios under surge irrigation using a hydroflume (gated pipe). These cycle ratios were 1, ¾, ½ and ¼ of the cycle time. The cycles were tested under four furrows and each treatment was repeated four times in any irrigation set. The results showed that the moisture content at all locations had no significant between them but near the upper end of the furrow (10m) had high values followed by locations at 40m and then the locations at 70m so moisture content decreased with increasing distance along the furrow with all cycle ratios. The results of advance and recession phases for all cycle ratios showed that water advance for ½ cycle ratio was very rapid and it reached the lower end of the furrow in a shorter time as compared to the other cycle ratios, followed by cycle ratio ¾ and cycle ratio ¼ which resulted in longer time than the continuous time. The results of recession phases showed that the cycle ratios were in a descending order. The results also showed that the highest opportunity time was obtained with cycle ratio ½ at the upper end of the furrow. The highest application efficiency of 98% was recorded with cycle ratio ¾. Whereas the lowest application efficiency of 63% was obtained by cycle ratio ¼. However, results of distribution efficiencies showed that the highest distribution efficiency of 89% was obtained with cycle ratio 1, while the lowest distribution efficiency of 86% was recorded by cycle ratio ¼. Whereas the highest storage efficiency of 78% was obtained with cycle ratio ½, whereas the lowest storage efficiency of 71% was recorded under cycle ratio ¼.
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    Evaluation Of Some Land Preparation And Sowing Methods For Wheat Production In Northern State (Dongola Area) - Sudan
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-06-14) Mergani Salih Seid Ahmed ; Mohamed Hassan Dahab ; Agricultural Engineering
    A field experiment was carried out at dongle agricultural research station farm, North State, during the seasons 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 to investigate the effect of some tillage systems and sowing methods on wheat production and cost of land preparation and sowing. The tillage treatments consisted of disc ploughing, heavy disc harrowing and on-tillage. Two sowing methods used were manual broadcasting with ridging and seed drill sowing. The field measurements were, soil moisture content, infiltration rate, plant population, grain and biological yield and harvest index. Some machinery measurements were also carried out (effective field capacity, field efficiency and wheel slippage and fuel consumption). Land preparation and sowing costs of different treatments were also calculated. The results revealed that disc plough recorded the highest average soil moisture content (21.4%) and infiltration rate (30.6 cm/hr). During the two seasons disc ploudhing treatment recorded the highest average plant population (481 plants/m2), grain yield (4.1 ton/ha), total biomass (13.63 ton/ha) and highest harvest index (30.7%). The differences between the effects of most treatments used were significant at 5% level. Seed drill recorded higher plant population (490 plants/m2) and total biomass (12.66 ton/ha) while manual broadcasting and ridging recorded higher grain yield (3.63 ton/ha) and harvest index (29.5%). The highest wheel slippage (8.9%) and fuel consumption (15.1 L/ha) was given by the disc plough implement where as the highest field efficiency (70.4%) and effective field capacity (0.75 ha/hr) recorded by the seed drill machine. The highest land preparation cost was recorded by the heavy disc harrowing (17569.1 SD/ha), while manual broadcasting and ridging incurred the highest sowing cost (5299/ha). The highest cost of land preparation with sowing was given by the heavy disc harrowing and manual broadcasting (22868.7 SD/ha and 6370.1 SD/ton of crop yield). The lowest cost were given by zero tillage with seed drill (2254.1 SD/ha, 870.3 SD/ton). The highest net benefit was obtained from the disc plowing tillage treatment with seed drill sowing (224629 SD/ha) and lowest benefits obtained from zero tillage with seed drill sowing (146671 SD/ha), but zero tillage with seed drill sowing gave the highest benefits in SD/ton of crop yield (56629).
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    Evaluation Of Farm Machinarey Use In Land PEvaluation of Farm Machinarey Use in Land Preparation in New Halfa Sugar Scheme
    ( University of Khartoum, 2015-06-15) Arif Rabie Sadig Mohammed ; Mohammed Hassan Dahab ; Agricultural Engineering
    This study was conducted in New Halfa Sugar Scheme to compare the actual and calculated power required in performing cultural operations, work rate of agricultural machines and the total operation costs of machines (implements and tractors) during the period 1994 – 2004. The results showed that the highest annual working hours in field operations was recorded by the up-rooting operation (2753.0 hr) and the least was recorded by the ridging operation (1192.0 hr). It was also noted that the highest fuel consumption rate was recorded in deep ploughing operation (8.6 gal/ fed) and the least was for ridging operation (2.3 gal/ fed). It was observed that the average actual power requirement was higher than that calculated by 28.4%. The average calculated rate of work/hour was higher than the actual by 53.9% and there were no significant differences between the different operations. The results indicated that track tractors gave higher working cost than tyre tractors with significant differences between tractors. The cost of ridger was the highest (4.74 $/hr) while the disc plough was the least (0.76 $/hr) with no significant differences between machines. The highest total cost of field operations was for deep ploughing and at 32% and the least for ridging at 6% with no significant differences in other operations.
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    Evaluation of Indoor Drip Irrigation System at Oumdom Green Houses
    (University of Khartoum, 2015-06-15) Shirin Sharif Mohamed Osman ; Abdel Moneim Elamin Mohamed ; Department of Agricultural Engineering
    A study was conducted from October 2007 to April 2008 to evaluate the performance of the drip irrigation system used in Oumdoum area for production of cucumber. There were two types of irrigation system in the greenhouses. The first type had two laterals per row, double laterals (greenhouses number І and ІІ); while the other had one lateral per row of crops, single laterals (greenhouses number ІІІ and ІV). The parameters studied were; the application rate, operating pressure, coefficient of uniformity, uniformity of distribution and scheduling uniformity. Also were measured the moisture content and wetted diameter for the two types. The weather factors inside and outside the greenhouses were measured using a portable weather station. The results showed a highly significant (P≤ 0.01) difference in moisture content at the beginning, middle and end of the lateral lines for the two types. A highly significant (P≤ 0.01) difference in moisture content was found between the single and double lateral lines. The study showed that the pressure in the lateral lines in all the greenhouses studied was less than the pressure recommended for the system (one bar). The variation in pressure in the lateral lines of the drip irrigation types were 13.5%, 20.7%, 15.2% and 17.3% in greenhouses number І, ІІ, ІІІ and ІV, respectively. iv On the other hand, the uniformity of distribution of the system was 86.1%, 76.2%, 85.8% and 82.7% in greenhouses number І, ІІ, ІІІ and ІV, respectively. Coefficient of uniformity was 86.6%, 78.5%, 88.4% and 85.0% in greenhouses number І, ІІ, ІІІ and ІV, respectively. Scheduling uniformity was 1.16, 1.30, 1.16 and 1.21 in greenhouse number І, ІІ, ІІІ and ІV, respectively. These figures indicated that the types tested had reasonable performance.