This research investigated the impact of various mixed sowing combinations on soil nutrients and grass yield within the rhizosphere across different seasons. Three varieties of leguminous forages-Medicago sativa 'Gannong No. 3' (GN3), M. sativa 'Gannong No. 9' (GN9), and M. sativa 'Juneng No. 7' (JN7)-as well as three varieties of grasses-Leymus chinensis 'Longmu No. 1' (LC), Agropyron mongolicum 'Mengnong No. 1' (AC), and Bromus inermis 'Yuanye' (BI)-were used as experimental materials for mixed sowing combinations; the monocultures of each material served as controls. We explored the seasonal effects of different legumes and grasses intercropping combinations on rhizosphere soil nutrients and grass yield in the Hexi Corridor region of China. The results indicated that the levels of soil enzyme activity, microbial biomass, and soil nutrients in the rhizosphere across the various treatments followed the following sequence: summer > spring > autumn. The soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass of various mixed sowing combinations were significantly higher than those of the monocultures within the same growing season (p < 0.05). Specifically, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (APA), catalase (CAT), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), soil microbial biomass phosphorus (SMBP), soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) within the GN9+BI group were the highest among all treatments. The hay yields of GN3, GN9, and JN7 were markedly greater than those of their respective mixed sowing combinations (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and soil nutrient levels. This comprehensive evaluation indicated that the mixed sowing combinations of GN9 + BI and GN9 + LC are particularly well suited for widespread adoption in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area.

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) is a potential forage crop with a high yield and crude protein (CP) content; however, establishment methods need to improve for the crop to be less sensitive to typhoons. Optimal establishment, cultivation, and utilization in amaranth were examined in a variety of seasons and methods of establishment in 2021-2023. Four methods were examined: (1) direct seeding in rows, (2) direct seeding in spots, (3) soil seed balls, and (4) transplant pretreatment methods under a randomized blocked design (n = 3). Sowings every month from April to August were applied only in 2021, while establishments in April, May, and August with both pretreatment methods were applied in 2022 and 2023. The establishment in August successfully escaped damage from typhoons. The direct seeding of either rows or spots showed marginal success in establishment compared to stable establishment in pretreatment methods. In 2022 and 2023, the highest yield and CP content were achieved in soil seed balls plots in April and in both pretreated plots sown in August, respectively. The quality of silage fermentation showed a high pH, ranging from 4.52 to 6.39, due to the high CP content in 7.59-18.36% dry matter (DM). Sowing in April or August established with soil seed balls can avoid typhoon damage to have stable forage yields and can be processed with a favorable quality of amaranth silage in the region.

Stem mustard, the main raw material for pickled mustard tuber, is widely planted in Chongqing, China, and is an important local cash crop. Under the working conditions of sticky and wet soil in the Chongqing area, conventional furrow seeding has problems such as soil sticking to the furrow opener, poor mulching effect, etc. In this regard, this paper proposes the use of non-contact, soil-based, pneumatic shot seeding, in which seeds are shot into the soil to a predetermined depth by a high-speed air stream. The diameter of stem mustard seeds was found to be 1.33 mm, with a spherical rate of 95.32% using physical and mechanical properties. The high-speed camera test was used to determine the air pressure at the appropriate sowing depth, and the seed entry process was simulated by EDEM 2021 software, which analysed the movement process of the seed after entering the soil, and the structure of the seeder was designed based on the resulting test data. The structural parameters of the shot seeding device were analysed by a hydrodynamic simulation using Fluent 2022 R1 software and the following results were obtained: an outlet pipe diameter DC of 2 mm, mixing zone length H of 10 mm, mixing zone inlet diameter D of 15 mm, and steady-state gas flow rate of 80 m/s. Simulation seeding verification was conducted on the final determined structural parameters of the seeding device, and the simulation results showed that the seed velocity could reach 32.3 m/s. In actual experiments, it was found that when the vertical velocity of the seeds was greater than or equal to 26.59 m/s, the seeds could be completely and stably seeded into the soil. Therefore, the designed seeding device can meet the conditions of actual seeding experiments. In conclusion, this research offers a practical guideline for the rapid and precise sowing of stem mustard.

Soil pH is a key parameter that directly influences crop health and productivity, as well as the soil's ability to support plant life. However, measuring this parameter can often be an arduous and laborious task due to spatial and temporal variations and the need for repeated sampling. In addition, conventional sample collection and laboratory analysis techniques are costly, time-consuming, and environmentally damaging. This paper presents the design and implementation of an innovative ground robot to measure the pH level in barley cropland. The robot has an adapted pH measurement system, which is complemented by an autonomous navigation system and a real-time data processing system. This system consists of a robust and accurate pH electrode capable of penetrating diverse types of soil and accurately measuring its acidity or alkalinity. Results from field tests indicate that the robot can manage a wide variety of soils and climatic conditions, and the pH measurements obtained correlate closely with those obtained by traditional methods. This study proposes the adoption of ground robots for pH level measurement.

Introduction. The discrete element method is the most promising method for modeling soil tillage. With the use of DEM modeling it is possible to create a digital twin for technological process of interaction of tools with soil, analyze the operation of tillage and seeding machines having various design and technological parameters, and predict energy and agrotechnical indicators of etheir work. To improve the prediction accuracy, it is necessary to compare the obtained data with the results of field experiments. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at developing a digital twin of the tillage bin through using the discrete element method and optimizing the main design and technological parameters of the dual -level opener. Materials and Methods. To simulate the process of the soil -opener interaction, there was used the discrete element method; the advanced Hertz - Mindlin model was used as a contact model. For DEM modeling there is created a virtual tillage bin, which is filled with spherical particles of 10 mm diameter with the specified rheological parameters of the selected contact model. The main design factors for carrying out computer experiments in order to optimize them were the opener blade rake angle alpha and the furrow rake angle beta . The opener traction resistance R was chosen as the output optimization parameter. Results. Implementation of multifactor experiments on the digital twin of the soil bin in the Rocky DEM program allowed to optimize the design and technological parameters of the dual -level opener: bit inclination angle alpha = 75(o ), furrow former inclination angle beta = 21(o) , vertical distance between the bit and furrow former Delta a = 11 - 14 mm. Discussion and Conclusion. As a result of the modeling, it was found that the opener traction resistance increases in quadratic dependence on the opener operating speed and surface energy of the contact model.