Introduction. The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of threshing and separation processes in the threshing mechanism of the combine harvester with a digital assessment of the fractional composition of the grain-and-straw material being threshed. The obtained data will allow detecting dynamics of fractional composition of grain-and-straw mass being threshed in the threshing gap of the threshing mechanism depending on its supply. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out on a special stand in the form of a separate unit of the combine threshing mechanism. Grain-and-straw samplers were installed under each threshing section. The mass feed was changed from 1.0 to 6.0 kg/s at a straw ratio of 1:1. The obtained data were approximated using a standard procedure. Results. There was determined the amount of grain and straw passed through the threshing section screen and the rest of grain and straw entering the straw separator depending on their initial amount. For each fraction, there were determined the ratio of straw mass to grain mass, the density and thickness of the grain-and-straw heap layer on the shaking board ahead of the grates and at the beginning of the straw separator keys. The dynamics of grain-and-straw separation was identified by scanning the length of the grains with the determination of the density and compression degree of the grain-and-straw mixture layer in the threshing gap. Discussion and Conclusion. It was found that in the heap of grain-and-straw passed through a threshing section, the ratio of straw mass to grain mass decreases from 0.46 to 0.27 and density increases from 60.1 to 84.0 kg/m3. In the heap of grain-and-straw that fell on the straw separator, the ratio of the straw mass to the grain mass decreases from 11.2 to 2.0, the density increases within a small range from 21.7 to 26.4 kg/m3. Thickness of the heap layer on the shaking board in front of the cleaning sieves varies in the range 0.25‒10.20 cm, and on the straw walker ‒ 2.2‒19.8 cm when changing the supply of the total mass for threshing from 1 to 6 kg/s.

Introduction. The article presents the results of statistical analysis of basic technical parameters of modern combine harvesters, comprising a sample of 150 models. A new complex criterion for assessing the technical level of combine harvesters called the harmonization coefficient is proposed, which makes it possible to evaluate the perfection degree of combine harvester design and identify the ways to improve them. Aim of the Article. The aim of the study is to propose a methodology for calculating the harmonization coefficient of each combine harvester and to identify the way for its improvement, based on the degree of compliance with global trends. The article continues to develop the idea of harmonization of combine harvester parameters outlined in the previous publications on this topic. Materials and Methods. There was applied statistical analysis identifying homogeneous statistical samples by harvester classes from 4 to 12 kg/sec. Results. On the example of a sample of 16 different combine harvester models, the harmonization coefficients of combine harvester design were calculated. The applied statistical equations for calculating combine harvester parameters reflect global trends in the development of combine harvester design and were called theoretical parameters, then they were compared with the actual parameters of combine harvesters. The difference between the theoretical and actual parameters affected the identifying of the ways of improvement. There were identified the combine harvester brands with high harmonization coefficient and a number of combine harvesters requiring modernization. Discussion and Conclusion. A technique for digital assessment of the technical level of combine harvesters is proposed. It is based on three design criteria: parametric index, regression dependencies between combine parameters reflecting global trends in the combine harvester design, and the harmonization coefficient of the combine harvester design in terms of threshing and separating device parameters. There was identified a group of combine harvesters with a very high harmonization coefficient 0.93‒0.94. We mean first of all German harvesters of Claas company (Medion 340, Dominator 150, Lexion 580), Russian harvester of Rostselmash company (TORUM 740) and American Massey Ferguson (MF 7278). There is a large group of combine harvesters, which have a harmonization coefficient of their design in terms of parameters below 0.9, therefore, they may be improved in accordance with global trends, for example, the 5270 C-AL combine harvester of the German company Fendt needs the increase in engine power from 180 HP to 252 HP, reducing the concave area from 1.3 to 0.81 m2, increasing the area of the straw separator from 5.7 to 7.2 m2 and reducing the area of the cleaning sieves from 6.0 to 5.4 m2. At the same time, the combine harvester throughput efficiency will remain at the level of 9.1 kg/s. Based on the proposed methodology, there are given recommendations for improving a number of the most famous combine harvesters of domestic and foreign production, taking into account global trends in their development.

Introduction. Low level of technical support for breeding works results in a high share of manual labor in the industry, violation of agrotechnical requirements, increased losses of expensive seeds, high production costs that is a constraint of developing domestic breeding and expanded reproduction of seeds. Machine harvesting of cultivated seeds is a most important operation in breeding and seed production. During this operation, a significant amount of energy is expended and a large volume of exhaust gases is released that makes important conducting the studies on improving plot combine harvesters in the direction of improving the quality of harvesting work and energy saving indicators, and of reducing the negative impact on the environment.Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at improving the quality of technological operations, energy efficiency and ecological compatibility of plot combine harvesters by using an automated electric drive and a hybrid power-generating plant with electric energy storage units.Materials and Methods. The object of the study was the technological process of the plot grain combine harvester. The basis of the study was scientific publications on the technologies of machine harvesting of selected grain crops and information materials of the manufacturers of plot combine harvesters. In the process of the study, there were used such methods as system analysis, structural and functional analysis, and synthesis.Results. There was carried out the analysis of machine harvesting technologies, technical characteristics and operating modes of modern plot grain combine harvesters. Based in its results, there were identified the patterns of energy consumption during the performance of the plot combine harvester. There was carried out structural analysis of the plot grain combine harvester and a functional diagram was constructed. In order to increase its energy efficiency, quality of work and reduce the negative environmental impact, there was proposed the use of removable energy modules with an electric drive and of an electric drive for the combine units. There have been developed the recommendations for using the electric drive of the working bodies, options for using various power plants including removable energy modules, and a functional diagram of a plot grain combine harvester with an automated electric drive of the main units powered by a removable energy module.Discussion and Conclusion. The studies contribute to solving the problems of increasing energy and economic efficiency, reducing the negative environmental impact when performing machine harvesting operations in breeding through the use of an integrated power plant. The use of additional electric drive and electric energy buffer storages according to a so-called hybrid scheme, allows reducing the impact of unbalanced loads on the internal-combustion engine performance. These unbalanced loads are caused by the peculiarities of the technological process of harvesting plots, where the loading cycles with pronounced modes of maximum power without going through the transitional modes are replaced by periods of insignificant power consumption. There has been defined a set of tasks for further studying. These tasks include determining the optimal parameters of the removable energy module and electric drive of the main units of the plot combine harvester using the method of mathematical simulation of their energy consumption in various operating modes.

SUBJECT OF THE STUDY: Is the process of preliminary separation of loose grains from combed grain heap on the slatted bottom of the feed elevator of a combine harvester. AIMS: Is an efficiency evaluation of the combed grain heap separation on the slatted bottom of the inclined chamber of a combine harvester in the field and to compare the degree of crushing of free grain depending on its supply to the threshing device or directly to the cleaning system. METHODS: All studies were carried out on winter wheat of the Moskovskaya 56 variety with a yield of 30 c/ha. Plant height varied within 0,60,9 m with a grain ripeness of at least 98% and a moisture content of 14%. The serial grain header ZHO-5 OZON manufactured by PJSC Penzmash was aggregated by the Niva-Effect combine harvester with a constant speed of 8 km/h and a stripping cylinder speed of 485 min-1. The field experiments were divided into two stages. The first series of experiments was devoted to evaluating the efficiency of preliminary separation of combed grain heap on the slatted bottom of the experimental feed elevator. During the second series of the experiment, grain was harvested with a serial feed elevator without its preliminary separation. RESULTS: According to the results of the first series of studies, it was found that the passage of loose grain through the holes of the slatted bottom of the inclined chamber is 91,6%. At the same time, grain crushing in the feed elevator did not exceed 0,5%, and in the bunker 1,75%. During the operation of the combine with a serial feed elevator without preliminary separation of the combed grain heap, the crushing of the bun-ker grain was within 5,25%. CONCLUSION: The practical implementation of such a technical solution makes it possible to 3 times the grain crushing in a bunker by the working bodies of the threshing machine.

The paper highlights the benefits of using seed tape planting technology, which include reduced seeding rate, optimized application of fertilizers and chemicals, and the ability to quickly switch between different crops or seed varieties. This technology shows positive effects on nearly all agricultural crops. (Research purpose) The study aims to explore the history of the emergence and application of seed tapes (seed ropes) for planting, detailing their design features and production technologies. (Materials and methods) The research employs a historical-analytical method, examining scientific publications, patent databases, such as Espacenet and the Federal Institute of Industrial Property, as well as photographic materials. (Results and discussion) The paper provides information on the origin of the first seed carriers which were flexible holding strips of paper or similar material that enclosed seeds. It covers the development and advancement of this planting technology, highlighting the use of currently most popular seed tapes. Universal or combined tapes and twisted seed strands can serve as carriers of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other substances in various combinations, in addition to seeds themselves. The paper reviews inventions related to the types and manufacturing methods of seed tapes and seed ropes proposed in different countries from 1898 to 2023. (Conclusions) The differences between seed tapes and seed ropes primarily lie in the mechanization of their production. The seed carrier can be made from various biodegradable materials, such as paper, plant fiber cloth, polymers or others. When manufacturing these tapes, it is necessary to minimize seed damage. The present research results in the formulation of principles for selecting biodegradable polymeric materials for seed tape planting technology. These principles include high diffusion rates, swelling properties, and maintaining a balance between tape biodegradation and biochemical reactions in plant cells.

Отмечена возможность повышения продуктивности семян путем воздействия на них электромагнитного поля. Рассмотрены теоретические и практические предпосылки создания экспериментальной лабораторной установки для предпосевной обработки семян низкочастотным электромагнитным полем и достижения магнитобиологического эффекта. (Цель исследования) Изучить влияние низкочастотного электромагнитного поля на состав и свойства семян зерновых культур. (Материалы и методы) Применялись стандартные излучатели с вариативностью магнитной индукции 3-75 миллитесла, частотой излучения 1-100 Герц, обеспечивающие требуемые параметры воздействия на партию семян. (Результаты и обсуждение) Исследовали влияние магнитного воздействия на всхожесть, энергию прорастания, физико-химические свойства семян при варьировании параметров низкочастотного электромагнитного поля. Проведен анализ зависимости качества воздействия от параметров работы установки и массы семян различных зерновых культур от 10 до 500 г. На этой основе выбраны режимы и создана рабочая программа облучения, обеспечивающая высокую эффективность воздействия на показатели всхожести, прорастания и развития семян. (Выводы) Изучено влияние низкочастотного электромагнитного поля на состав и свойства зерна. Разработана экспериментальная лабораторная установка с источниками низкочастотного электромагнитного поля, обоснованы режимы излучения. Магнитобиологический эффект предпосевной обработки промышленной партии зависит от вида и сорта культуры, активации в клетке биологического комплекса, инициирующего развитие проростка, качества и влажности семян, наличия на поверхности микроорганизмов, в том числе патогенных, источников и энергетических параметров облучения. Определены параметры низкочастотного электромагнитного поля: магнитная индукция от 3 до 75 миллитесла, частота 10-16 Герц, масса семян от 10 до 500 граммов. Эти параметры будут использованы при создании промышленной установки для подготовки семенного материала и улучшения его посевных свойств.