Department of Agricultural Engineering
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Item Decision Support System For Sustainable Siting And Management Of National Food Buffet Stock Systems In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-02) Buah, I.E.National Food Buffer Stock Company of Ghana (NAFCO), being the government’s emergency food reserve and source of raw materials for agro-processing factories, is established to reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize food supply and price. These stated aims are very broad, conflicting, and non-profit-oriented, making the buffer stock systems economically unsustainable. This research, therefore, develops a decision support system where decision-makers can stimulate various scenarios to allow them to design a sustainable national food buffer stock system that is fit for its purpose. The decision support system comprises a risk assessment conducted on the operations of NAFCO, pseudo-p-median model, goal programming model and inventory model. The efficacy of the decision support system was illustrated through a series of simulations, where six predicted optimal locations for siting NAFCO warehouses were identified with an average transportation cost of GHS 1.7924E+6. The optimal network design of NAFCO warehouses was to reduce the cost of transportation incurred by the respective stakeholders. The research also investigated the number of grains to be purchased during every quarter, if NAFCO was to stock their warehouses with 100,000 tonnes of grain in the year to reduce the cost of operation. An integrated approach coupled with readily available data was used in stimulating the models developed. Furthermore, the research provides NAFCO with the necessary actions to take to reduce the risk associated with the unit operation of transporting grains from the farm to the warehouses and from the warehouses to the markets and harbour since this operation had a risk profile number of 648. In conclusion, decisions must be taken to revamp the operations of NAFCO with the mindset of reducing cost by adopting decision support systems in sustainably siting and managing their operations.Item Decision Support System For Sizing Drying Bins, Fan Selection And Drying Parameters Determination For Selected Grains(University Of Ghana, 2022-01) Parker – Allotey, C.K.Grain drying is a very important step in the storage and handling of grains. Computer models have been created over the past years to optimise and ease the amount of work and calculations that are invested into the planning, economics building, operation and management of drying systems and facilities. Although there have been advancements in computerised systems and programmes, decision making when it comes to planning, costing, construction, management, and operation of drying systems can still prove to be a strenuous task to undertake. Also, most computerised systems require in-depth knowledge in drying to operate. Most of these systems do not also provide features which allow for economic decision making. There is therefore still the need to develop a new programme which is relatively easier to use and can further optimise the decision-making process. A computer programme was developed using python that calculates the bin diameter, grain depth, airflow and airflow rate, and fan horsepower using the specific grain to be dried, the desired volume, drying method, and budget type as inputs. Various formulas and assumptions were used to perform calculations for each parameter. The programme was created to provide realistic estimates for each drying parameter depending on the inputs provided by the user. The programme also provides a database that allows users to select fans based on the calculated fan horsepower. The programme created was successful in performing calculations for all the parameters listed above. This programme simplified certain calculations that must be made during the decision-making process, thereby allowing for its use by people with shallow knowledge in drying systems decision making with respect to budgeting.Item Determination Of Engineering Properties Of Two Soils At Fohrec (Kade) And Sirec (Kpong)(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Danso-Acquah, E.Agriculture, its operations, and soils properties are inter-related. Cultivation of crops; tillage, irrigation and farm operations, commuting to and from farm plot and building of structures are greatly influenced by the soil specifically its properties. Shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction are parameters that play major roles in influencing how soils are used or worked on. It is, therefore, important to determine the shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction of the soils in Kade and Kpong. As a result, a study was conducted on two soils from Forest and Horticulture Research Centre (FOHREC), Kade, and Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), Kpong, at depth ranges of 0-15cm and 15-30cm under saturated and unsaturated conditions to determine the shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction to ascertain how they will affect tillage, traction and trafficability, irrigation and structures such as dams and foundations. Normal stress ranging from 1kg/cm2 to 5kg/cm2 was used as an independent variable to determine the stated properties. The results showed that the Kpong soil had a higher shear stress under all conditions than that of Kade soil. An interesting observation was made concerning the soil under unsaturated condition where at 3kg/cm2 it behaved as if it is is under saturation. The normal stress had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction, where increase in normal stress reflected an increase in shear stress and cohesion but a decrease in angle of friction. The research provided ample data on shear stress required for failure to occur normal to the shear plane, cohesion and coefficient of internal friction. These measurements are relevant and important for the design of farm equipment, farm structures such as dam wall, storage buildings, etc. Kpong soil (Akuse series) had a higher shear stress under all conditions than that of the Kade soil (Kokofu series). Keywords: Shear Strength, Cohesion, Angle of friction, Trafficability, Tillage, Moisture contentItem Evaluation of Irrigation and Mulching on the Establishment of Transplanted Cocoa(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Kpakpo-Sraha, M.A.Field experiment was conducted at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crop Research Centre (FOHCREC) in Kade from October 2017 to March 2018 to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation on the establishment of transplanted cocoa. The experimental design used was the split plot design and was made up of 3 irrigation levels namely no irrigation (NI), deficit irrigation (DI) and full irrigation (FI) and 2 mulch levels namely mulch (M) and no mulch (NM). The Kc at the end of the experiment was 0.76, 0.78 and 0.96 for NI, DI and FI respectively under no mulch treatment. The Kc for mulch treatment at the end of the experiment was 0.64, 0.71 and 0.80 for NI, DI and FI respectively. The cumulative ETc at the end of the experiment under no mulch was 376.77 mm, 378.29 mm and 409.83 mm for NI, DI and FI respectively. The cumulative ETc for mulch treatment at the end of the experiment was 369.16 mm, 389.06 mm and 392.62 mm for NI, DI and FI respectively. High vigour scores translated to high seedling establishment with NI, DI and FI having an establishment percentage of 92%, 96% and 100% respectively under no much. The percentage establishment of cocoa for NI, DI and FI was 96%, 96% and 100% respectively under mulch. Irrigation and mulch did not have any significant difference in the plant vigour and percentage establishment of cocoa at P ≤0.05. It can be concluded that the effect of Irrigation and mulch could not be seen on seedling survival because of the high rainfall amount and short dry season during the experiment period.Item Determination of Engineering Properties of two Soils at FOHREC (KADE) and SIREC (KPONG)(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Danso-Acquah, E.Agriculture, its operations, and soils properties are inter-related. Cultivation of crops; tillage, irrigation and farm operations, commuting to and from farm plot and building of structures are greatly influenced by the soil specifically its properties. Shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction are parameters that play major roles in influencing how soils are used or worked on. It is, therefore, important to determine the shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction of the soils in Kade and Kpong. As a result, a study was conducted on two soils from Forest and Horticulture Research Centre (FOHREC), Kade, and Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), Kpong, at depth ranges of 0-15cm and 15-30cm under saturated and unsaturated conditions to determine the shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction to ascertain how they will affect tillage, traction and trafficability, irrigation and structures such as dams and foundations. Normal stress ranging from 1kg/cm2 to 5kg/cm2 was used as an independent variable to determine the stated properties. The results showed that the Kpong soil had a higher shear stress under all conditions than that of Kade soil. An interesting observation was made concerning the soil under unsaturated condition where at 3kg/cm2 it behaved as if it is is under saturation. The normal stress had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on shear stress, cohesion and angle of friction, where increase in normal stress reflected an increase in shear stress and cohesion but a decrease in angle of friction. The research provided ample data on shear stress required for failure to occur normal to the shear plane, cohesion and coefficient of internal friction. These measurements are relevant and important for the design of farm equipment, farm structures such as dam wall, storage buildings, etc. Kpong soil (Akuse series) had a higher shear stress under all conditions than that of the Kade soil (Kokofu series).Item Treatment of Waste Water for Irrigation Using Activated Carbon and Biochar from Crop Residue(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Wunmi, B. A.Sustainability of urban vegetable farming has engaged many people for its economic benefits. The challenge to improving vegetable yield is water scarcity during dry season. Many farmers have therefore resorted to using waste water for irrigation, with the potential of contaminating crops. Contaminants in waste water are of biologically and physicochemically origin. This research aimed at treating waste water contaminated with heavy metals using activated carbon and biochar. Cost effective technology was applied to produce biochar and activated carbon from crop residue. Six heavy metals were initially tested in the waste water and the adsorbents. Three of the heavy metals, i.e. Zn, Mn, and Cr were detected in the adsorbents only while the other three, namely Iron Fe, Ni and Pb were detected only in the waste water. Biochar and activated carbon therefore served as adsorbents and was used to decontaminate the Fe, Ni and Pb contained in the waste water. Waste water for vegetable irrigation was sampled from Korle-Bu backyard gardens. Treatments used were 100 g and 200 g each of biochar and activated carbon. One litre of sampled waste water was filtered through each amount of the adsorbents in a Randomized Complete Design. There was significant difference in Fe decontamination between the Control (untreated waste water) and Treated Waste water at P ≤ 0.05 using LSD test but between the different adsorbents, there were no significant differences in Fe decontamination. There was significant difference in Ni decontamination between the control and 100 gram activated carbon. Ni was completely decontaminated by the 100 grams activated carbon. Finally, there was no significant difference in Pb decontamination between the control and all adsorbent treatments. In general, all adsorbents contributed to heavy metal decontamination in the waste water although insignificant in some cases. It was therefore concluded that activated carbon and biochar can be used for heavy metals decontamination in waste water hence recommended for treatment of waste water for irrigation.Item Estimating Crop Water Requirement and Yield of Okra In Biochar Amended Soil(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Yakubu, A.Vegetable crop production in Ghana over the past years has been a challenge due to water scarcity. The unpredictable and insufficient rainfalls has been a drawback on improving crop production and yield. This study aimed at estimating crop water requirement (CWR) and yield of okra in biochar amended soil. The FAO 56 dual crop coefficient approach was used to estimate CWR of a local variety of the test crop, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Models were developed to predict crop coefficient (kc) and yield using ground based remote sensing technique. The experiment was conducted at the University of Ghana (UG) Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC) in Kade. Two irrigation treatments, namely full irrigation (FI) and deficit irrigation (DI) and four biochar amounts were applied in 32 plots. kc at the initial, crop development, mid-season and late season growth stages determined are 0.28, 0.67, 0.91 and 0.86 under FI treatment and 0.32, 0.54, 0.98 and 0.8 for DI treatment though only FI data was presented under results. Seasonal accumulated water use by okra (ETc) was 273 mm under FI treatment and 246 mm under DI treatment. There were no significant differences in total above ground dry biomass yield (YTBM) in the different biochar amounts under FI and DI treatments at (P ≤ 0.05). There were significant difference in okra fresh fruit yield (YFF) in three biochar amounts only under DI treatment but no significant difference in YFF in all four biochar amounts under FI treatments was recorded. From the results, it was concluded that biochar had effect on YFF under stressed and or limited water situations, thus DI and hence DI should be practiced in water scarce situations and areas especially when biochar is used. Premixing biochar with phosphorous fertilizer before incorporating into the soil also gave a better result in terms of high okra YFF over the alternative method of applying phosphorous fertilizer separately after biochar incorporated into the soil.Item Noise Abatement in Machine Shops Through the Use of Recycled Coconut Fibre and Polyvinyl Chloride Sheets As Noise Absorbing Materials(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Agyeman-Prempeh, N.O.W.O; Mahama, A.A.; Baryeh, E.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Department of Agricultural EngineeringMachine shop workers are exposed to noise levels between 83 - 110 dB(A), however, levels above 85 dB (A) are hazardous to the ear. A study was conducted at GRATIS Foundation in Tema Industrail Area in Ghana, using sound level meters to determine noise levels and propose solutions. Sound levels during peak hours of operation in the machine shop were found to be above 95 dB(A). To reduce these high noise levels, Coconut Fibre (CF) a naturally occurring sound absorber, was combined with Polyvinyl Chloride Sheets (PVCS) or “Flexi Banner” to create a sound insulating panel. These combinations: CF, “PVCS + CF”, “PVCS + CF + PPVCS” and “PVCS + CF +PVCS” were tested in the lab for sound Insertion Loss (IL) and Transmission Loss (TL). In the test, CF thicknesses (10, 20 and 30 mm) were varied and 10 Octave band center frequencies of sound between 31.5 to 16000 Hz passed through the specimens. Analysis of Variance on results for TL test concluded that, thickness, frequency, and combination sequence (CS) and Frequency (FQ) interactions, had significant effect on TL, from 1000 – 16000 Hz. CS of PVC + 30 mm CF + PVC was selected as the CS with the most TL over the frequency range. With respect to IL test, it was concluded that, CS, Thickness, FQ, and CS and FQ interactions, also had significant effect on IL. PVCS + 30 mm CF + PVCS was selected for its high IL for higher frequencies from 4000 to 16000 Hz. It was also noted that, PVCS + CF + PPVCS could be used in place of PVCS + CF + PVCS to achieve similar IL averages, over the frequency spectrum. By combining CF with PVCS, it increased its TL by 24.5 dB(A) and IL by 26.02 dB(A) at 8000 Hz. After insulating the highest noise source in the machine shop (hand Held Grinder) with PVCS + 30 mm CF + PVCS, sound levels ranges dropped from 75 - 105 dB(A) (beyond standards) to 65 - 85 dB (A) range (safe zone). Hence, abating noise in the machine shop through combined CF and PVCS was successfulItem Effect of Biochar on Soil Physical Properties, Water Use Efficiency, and Growth of Maize in a Sandy Loam Soil(University of Ghana, 2016-06) Monnie, F.; Mickson, S.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences School of Engineering Department of Agricultural EngineeringThere has been claims that biochar improves water retention in soil and aid in improved crop productivity. Hence, recent conservation practices in the area of agricultural lands have focused research attention on the performance mechanism of biochar. In this study, the effect of corn cob biochar particle sizes (<2 mm & ~2-4 mm) and amounts (0, 20, 40, 80 tons/ha) on soil physical properties (soil bulk density and soil water retention) and biomass yield were investigated. It further investigated the effect of deficit (DI) and full (FI) irrigation in combination with biochar on plant physiology and water use efficiency. Corn cob biochar was mixed with the top 20 cm sandy loam soil at a rate of (0, 20, 40 & 80 tons/ha) in pots made of PVC columns (20 cm diameter x 75 cm height). Three maize seeds were planted and thinned out two weeks after planting leaving one maize plant per pot. NPK fertilizer (3.1 g) was applied to all pots. Soil moisture content reading was taken every third day for the first three weeks and every second day afterwards. From the beginning, each pot was supplied with the amount of water lost to restore to field capacity. After three weeks, deficit irrigation (DI) strategy was implement. All full irrigation (FI) treatments were irrigated immediately water loss exceeded a management allowable depletion (MAD) of 30 % of the pot field capacity, and for the DI treatments at MAD of 80 %. Three drying cycles were achieved between day 26 and day 70 (last day of terminating the work). The results showed that bulk density (BD) decreased significantly between the control (1.46 g/cm3) and the 80 tons/ha (1.30 g/cm3) biochar treatment. Also, BD decreased insignificantly with decreasing biochar particle sizes relative to the control. BD was found to decrease with increasing biochar fine i.e. (CBP (2- 4 mm)> FBP (<2 mm)). Bulk densities of 1.39 g/cm3 and 1.35 g/cm3 were found for the coarse biochar particle (CBP) and fine biochar particle (FBP) respectively relative to the control 1.46 g/cm3. Soil water retention characteristics were affected by addition of biochar. The result shows that addition of 20 tons/ha biochar surprisingly did not alter the curve that much though at higher matric potential tends to hold substantial amount of water relative to the no biochar treatment. However, biochar application rate of 80 tons/ha had significant effect relative to the control. It was discovered in general that, applying corn stover biochar at a rate beyond 20 tons/ha will improve the water retention characteristic of sandy loam soil. Furthermore, biochar particle size also affected the water retention characteristics as it was discovered that, the FBP retained more water at low matric potential but as matric potential increased beyond -300 kPa, the CBP retained more water. Furthermore, the biomass yield (BY) results showed a yield loss of 21.2% for DI treatments relative to the FI treatments. However, 59.2% water was conserved in this case for the DI treatments. This implies biochar addition to soil with deficit irrigation practices may be a promising water conservation strategy. It was also observed that, the yield values for the DI biochar treatments were close to the FI control values. Transpiration efficiency was significant between the DI treatments (32 g/mm) and the FI treatments (20 g/mm). Plant physiology was also enhanced by the addition of biochar even though the differences were not consistently significant. Therefore, it is concluded in this study that addition of corn cob biochar does improve soil physical properties and enhance water retention within the soil, and that biochar amendment in combination with deficit irrigation does have the potential to improve water use efficiency by enhancing plant physiology and yield.Item Soil Displacement Using Disc Plough in a Clayey Loam Soil(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Dazugo, E.; Mahama, A.A.; Malcolm, J.; University of Ghana, College of Applied and Basic Science, School of EngineeringSoil displacement by tillage is a major contributor to the redistribution of soil particles within the soil profile. The extent of soil redistribution eventually has an effect on the performance of crop production. It is, therefore, valuable to investigate soil displacement by disc plough since it is known to be the widely used primary tillage implement in Ghana. Consequently, a study was conducted at the Livestock and Poultry Research Centre of the University of Ghana (LIPREC) with a tractor - disc plough aggregate. Using three ploughing speeds (5km/hr, 7km/hr and 9km/hr) and three ploughing depths (12cm, 15cm and 18cm), a 32 factorial experiment was designed for this study. The essential soil and tracer characteristics were verified. The movement of tracers inserted into the soil measure soil displacement in the x-y-z coordinate directions. The data was statistically analysed to establish the effects of ploughing speed and depth on soil displacement. Results from our experimental study showed that on the average the disc plough tillage moved soil particles through a distance of 59.8 ± 12.5cm. Ploughing speed and depth had significant effects (p ≤0.05) on soil displacement by the disc plough. Increasing ploughing speed generally led to increase in soil displacement with a wider mix. The study also showed that most of the tracers were spread within the region of 12cm above to 6cm below the original surface of the field. The disc plough mixes majority of the transported soil particles within this region of the tilled layer. At higher speed of 9km/hr the displaced soil particles were highly mixed within this region whiles at 5km/hr the displaced soil particles were concentrated within the upper 6cm.Item Evaluation of the Technical Performance of a Low Cost Drip Irrigation System for Smallholder Farmers(University of Ghana, 2002-12) Asare-Larbi, F.; Siedu, M.; Josiah, M.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Department of Agricultural EngineeringIt is essential that smallholder farmers in developing countries have access to the benefits that modern irrigation technology seeks to offer. However, this has not always been so because of the inability of smallholder farmers in developing countries to adopt this advanced technology due to cost constraints. The objectives of this study were to design and construct a simple low cost drip irrigation system suitable for smallholder farmers, and to evaluate the technical performance characteristics of the system under field conditions. Attempt was also made to compare the technical performance characteristics of the low cost drip irrigation system to that of a commercial drip irrigation system and recommended engineering standards. The performance parameters evaluated were coefficient of variation of emitter flow, qcv, Emission Uniformity, Eu, Absolute Emission Uniformity, Eua, Statistical Uniformity, Us, Emitter flow variation, qvar, and Application Efficiency, Ea. The qcv and Us values obtained were 15.12 and 84.90% respectively. These values were reasonable by recommended engineering standards. The qvar value of 38.50% obtained is far below the generally accepted standards. However, the application efficiency, Ea, of 94% obtained is considered excellent for such low cost systems. The Eu and Eua values of 76.83 and 73.90% respectively are fair according to generally accepted engineering standards. In general, the performance characteristics of the low cost drip irrigation system designed and constructed, were below that of the commercial drip irrigation system evaluated. This development does not support the initial hypothesis that the low cost drip irrigation system would have the same technical performance characteristics as that of the commercial drip irrigation system. From the technical characteristics for the low cost drip irrigation system, it was found that the system had the potential to be improved and could be adopted by smallholder farmers. This will help farmers to realise the benefits of modern irrigation technologies.Item Effect of Initial Land Preparation Methods on Selected Soil Physical Properties in Afram Plains, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2014-06) Quaye, D.N.D.; Mahama, A.A.; Abenney-Mickson, S.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences ,School of Engineering ,Department of Agricultural EngineeringThe objective of the study was to determine the most appropriate methods of initial land preparations in Afram Plains based on their effect on selected soil physical properties such as dry bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity and available water content. The study also sought to estimate the cost of preparing farm lands in the Afram Plains. The study was conducted in Odumesua in the Afram Plains District sampling soil from fields prepared with three identified and categorized systems of land preparations. These were Slash and Burnt cleared land with no-tillage (SBNT), manually cleared land with conventional tillage (MCT) and bulldozed land with conventional tillage (BCT). The soil properties were determined at 0-40cm depths at intervals of 10 cm for analysis. Financial cost of these land preparation methods was also estimated from machinery input cost derivatives and information gathered from local farmers. Dry bulk density, porosity and hydraulic conductivity were significantly (at p ≤ 0.005 level) affected by the land preparations methods. At different depths of sampling, hydraulic conductivity was not significantly (at p ≤ 0.005 level) affected. However, available water content was not significantly affected by both factors (land preparation methods and depth of sampling). Dry bulk density at 1.5g/cm3 reduced by 3% and 16% in MCT and BCT respectively compared with the UNCULTIVATED and SBNT. The results showed that agricultural lands prepared by bulldozing or stumps excavation and conventional tillage operations (BCT) was most appropriate using fertile agricultural soil indicators of soil physical properties. The results also indicated that it costs three times more in preparing lands employing heavy tractors like the bulldozer compared to the traditional methods of using human labour with simple tools.Item Effect of Initial Land Preparation Methods on Selected Soil Physical Properties in Afram Plains, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2014-06) Quaye, D.N.D.; Abenney- Mickson, S.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Department of Agricultural EngineeringThe objective of the study was to determine the most appropriate methods of initial land preparations in Afram Plains based on their effect on selected soil physical properties such as dry bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity and available water content. The study also sought to estimate the cost of preparing farm lands in the Afram Plains. The study was conducted in Odumesua in the Afram Plains District sampling soil from fields prepared with three identified and categorized systems of land preparations. These were Slash and Burnt cleared land with no-tillage (SBNT), manually cleared land with conventional tillage (MCT) and bulldozed land with conventional tillage (BCT). The soil properties were determined at 0-40cm depths at intervals of 10 cm for analysis. Financial cost of these land preparation methods was also estimated from machinery input cost derivatives and information gathered from local farmers. Dry bulk density, porosity and hydraulic conductivity were significantly (at p ≤ 0.005 level) affected by the land preparations methods. At different depths of sampling, hydraulic conductivity was not significantly (at p ≤ 0.005 level) affected. However, available water content was not significantly affected by both factors (land preparation methods and depth of sampling). Dry bulk density at 1.5g/cm3 reduced by 3% and 16% in MCT and BCT respectively compared with the UNCULTIVATED and SBNT. The results showed that agricultural lands prepared by bulldozing or stumps excavation and conventional tillage operations (BCT) was most appropriate using fertile agricultural soil indicators of soil physical properties. The results also indicated that it costs three times more in preparing lands employing heavy tractors like the bulldozer compared to the traditional methods of using human labour with simple tools