The high energy consumption of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements necessitates the development of more efficient technologies for mixing bulk materials and feed mixtures. This study proposes a gravity-based mixing method based on the rotation of an inclined cylindrical chamber without the use of active mixing elements. During rotation, the mixture components move toward both end walls of the chamber and simultaneously perform circular motion along the inner cylindrical surface, which intensifies the mixing process and reduces energy consumption. A structural and technological design of the gravity mixer was developed, and an experimental prototype was manufactured. Analytical relationships were obtained to determine the critical rotational speed of the chamber, particle movement velocity, and the power required for the mixing process. Laboratory experiments showed that the average particle movement velocity was 1.21 m/s and the average friction coefficient was 0.40. Under optimal operating conditions, the mixture uniformity reached 95.7% after 4 min of mixing. The mixer productivity was 0.95 t/h, while the specific energy consumption was 0.5 kWh/t, which is 2.5 times lower than that of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements. The obtained results confirm the potential of the proposed gravity-based mixing method for preparing feed and organomineral mixtures in small-scale farming systems.

The high energy consumption of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements necessitates the development of more efficient technologies for mixing bulk materials and feed mixtures. This study presents a gravity-driven mixing approach based on the rotation of an inclined cylindrical chamber, eliminating the need for active mixing elements. During chamber rotation, the mixture components move toward both end walls while simultaneously undergoing a circular motion along the inner cylindrical surface. This movement intensifies the mixing process and reduces energy consumption, thereby providing an energy-efficient gravity-based mixing approach that operates without active mixing elements. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the key physical and mechanical properties of the sapropel, organic fertilizer, and compound feed (formulation K-60-1). The measured values were as follows: velocity on an inclined steel surface, 0.65–1.21 m/s; coefficient of friction, 0.40–0.91; bulk density, 453–1166 kg/m³; and angle of repose, 36–39°. The experimental results confirmed the validity and adequacy of the developed analytical relationships. A structural and technological design of the gravity mixer was developed, and an experimental prototype was manufactured. Analytical relationships were obtained to determine the critical rotational speed of the chamber, particle movement velocity, and the power required for the mixing process. Under optimal operating conditions, the mixture uniformity reached 95.7% after 4 min of mixing. The mixer productivity was 0.95 t/h, while the specific energy consumption was 0.5 kWh/t, which is 2.5 times lower than that of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements. The obtained results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed gravity-based mixing method for the preparation of feed and organomineral mixtures under the operating conditions of small-scale farms.

Year-round production of high-quality green forage using resource-efficient technologies is an important challenge for sustainable livestock farming. This study developed and experimentally evaluated an automated multi-tier hydroponic system integrating a sapropel-based bioactive medium, recirculating irrigation, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Experimental trials were conducted using feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) during a 10-day cultivation cycle. Resource consumption was assessed under light in-tensities of 200, 300, and 400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, while biomass productivity was evaluated using sapropel extract concentrations of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 2.5%. The highest biomass productivity was obtained at a 2.5% concentration, where fresh green mass reached 44.8 kg per tray (25.45 kg m⁻²), representing a 1.6-fold increase compared with the control treatment, which consisted of identical hydroponic cultivation conditions without sapropel extract addition. The recirculating irrigation system reduced specific water consumption, while optimized LED lighting improved energy-use efficiency. The results demonstrate that integration of natural bioactive supplementation with automated environmental control can significantly enhance hydroponic forage productivity while reducing specific resource inputs.