Sugar beet is an extensive crop of great agronomic value with significant productive and economic returns and Ukraine’s sugar beet accounts for about 5.1% of the overall world production. Sugar beets and the by-products resulting from its manufacturing transformation are a significant renewable energy resource. A new high-quality performance prototype of a sugar beet top harvester, front mounted on a tractor, was built by the authors in Ukraine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the main performance parameters related to the operation of this new machine. Field tests were carried out linking the prototype to a wheel tractor, whilst suitable sensors measured the significant kinematic and dynamic parameters, allowing experimental data collection to assess the machine’s performance parameters. The entire technological process of harvesting and transporting the beet tops to the beet top storage unit required power ranging from 6.42 to 17.65 kW. At the topmost tested forward speed, the required tractor traction force was less than 1.9 kN with the power required by the shaft that drives the screw conveyor ranging from 3.1 to 4.6 kW. This value was the lowest for a speed of the tractor–beet top harvesting machine aggregate ranging from 0.9 to 1.2 m·s^-1.

Removing the root crop tops is a highly time-consuming process and it affects the quality and safety of the resulting product. In order to study the technological and energy parameters of the sugar beet heads, i.e. to remove the top residues after the main, complete separation of the haulm, we have developed a new experimental setup that allows simulation of the operation of individual samples of various types of cleaners and conduct experimental research under the field conditions. The structural diagram of this setup is universal, and it consists of the main frame, which is hung on the rear side of the wheeled aggregating tractor by means of a suspension linkage. Inside the main frame there is a rotary frame mounted, operated by means of a rotary beam that is necessary for hanging horizontal cleaning working tools on it, and they can be installed due to the rotary beam at various angles to the field surface and to the direction of the forward movement. The installation height of the cleaning working tools is regulated with the help of the feeler wheels, and the position of the wheels relative to the frame can be changed due to the design of their attachment to the frame. As a result of statistical processing of the results of strain gauging on the PC, it was found that the maximum value of the required power on the drive of the working bodies of the cleaner can reach 2.5 kW, and a similar value of traction power does not exceed 0.24 kW. On the whole, the total maximum power of this sugar beet cleaner from the tops (remaining leaves) without extracting the sugar beet heads from the ground with horizontal drive shafts is 2.74 kW, which is 1.3 times less than commercially available cleaners spend on it.

Agricultural activities are more often linked to the use of electrical and electronic devices. The evolution of climate with a continuous increase of thunderstorm phenomena, more and more concentrated and intense, need to raise attention by users about the protection of structures and equipment against overvoltage phenomena of atmospheric origin. The combination of thunderstorm phenomena and the high sensitivity to induced and conducted electromagnetic phenomena of equipment could origin failures that could affect productivity and safety. By a safety point of view, in Italy the law obliges the employers to assess the risk raised by lightning effects in order to ensure that the buildings, systems, structures, equipment are protected in agreement with the national and international technical standards. Considering the agricultural-livestock sector, the new Italian guidelines need that farmers should re-examine structures referring also to the compatibility with animal protection requirements. In the event of a fault, considering the high sensitivity to electrical effects on animal health, it is necessary to limit contact voltages to negligible values, by means of additional equipotential connections among all the masses present in the plant (both strictly useful and not for the main proactive activity). Furthermore, considering the dimension of animals compared to that of humans, particular care has to be taken in limiting the step voltage also connecting the electro-welded nets used to reinforce the concrete floor of animal shelters to ground collector. The main goal of this work is to analyse the technical standard concerning the protection from lightning with particular regard to the agricultural-livestock sector and to study the principal equipment and parts useful to set up an effective lightning protection system for a medium-sized stable.

Considering the popularity of dry pet food, its market and production are constantly increasing. The quality of the food and the source of raw materials used for its production become as important as in the production of food for human consumption. The aim of the study was to assess the basic physical characteristics of the pet food produced from wheat middlings and meat meal using the extrusion process. The composition of individual samples was as follows: sample A – meat meal 25 %, wheat meal 75 %, moisture content of 30 %; sample B – meat meal 25 %, wheat meal 75 %, moisture content of 25 %; sample C – meat meal 25 %, wheat meal 75 %, moisture content of 20 %; sample D – meat meal 50 %, wheat meal 50 %, moisture content of 30 %; sample E – meat meal 50 %, wheat meal 50 %, moisture content of 25 %; sample F – meat meal 50 %, wheat meal 50 %, moisture content of 20 %. The compounds composed in this way were subject to the extrusion process to obtain characteristic animal cookies. After the initial tests, the following extrusion process parameters were selected: first heater section: 100 ºC, second heater section: 120 ºC, head: 120 ºC, die: oval 2.5/15 mm, 37.5 mm diameter, screw: 800 mm, Ø60 mm., screw rotation: 100 rpm. Properties, such as the degree of expansion, cutting test (biting) and durability, were assessed. The moisture content of raw material before the extrusion process had the highest impact on the physical characteristics of the final product. Statistically significant differences in the cutting test were recorded, depending on the share of individual components and the moisture content.

The paper presents results of research in the impact of selected construction parameters of the disc spreader on the mineral fertilizer spreading process. Tests were carried out in a closed room on a constructed measuring stand with the use of three mineral fertilizers (urea, nitrochalk and ammonium sulfate), the selection of which was made due to different physical properties (e.g. bulk density, coefficient of friction, size distribution) and wide application in agriculture. In order to present the impact of factors on the radius of mineral fertilizer spreading area, a four-factor experiment model was adopted, established by the method of complete randomization, in which the independent variables were: type of mineral fertilizer, level of rotational speed of the spreading disc, place of fertilizer application on the disc and angle of vanes on the disc. Results of variance analysis for the fixed model of the mean fertilizer spread radius showed that two independent variables (fertilizer type and disc rotational speed) explain the variance of dependent variable in 78.48 %. Results of variance analysis for the linear multiple regression model of the relationship between the mean fertilizer spread radius and studied features showed that 91.27 % of the variability of dependent variable is explained by the model. In the regression equation for the mean fertilizer spreading radius, independent variables include: vane angle (S), rotational speed of the disc (V), specific density of the fertilizer (G) and share of dust fractions (FP).

Combustion is a complex process. It consists of many physical and chemical processes of thermal decomposition and fuel combustion taking place in a specific space and time. This paper examines the evaluation of the process of combustion pellets and briquettes made from oat straw in a low-power grate boiler 10 kW, which was carried out in two variants: without modification of the combustion chamber and with its modification. In the boiler processing, an element limiting the combustion chamber was used; it was made of steel strips with dimensions (length × width × thickness) of 100×3×1 mm attached radially at one end to a steel core 50 mm long, under which, using a mixture of butane and propane in a 70:30 ratio, a secondary combustion zone was created. Combustion of pellets without modification of the combustion chamber was characterized by increased dynamics, which was indicated by higher combustion rate, higher flue gas temperature and lower air excess. At the same time, modification of the combustion chamber applied in the scope of these parameters contributed to reduction of the combustion rate and flue gas temperature, while reducing the air excess that was absorbed by combustion of the gaseous fuel. Emission of pollutants with combustion of pellets and briquettes without modification of the combustion chamber was characterized by similar values in the CO and NO range, only for briquettes, the SO₂ emission was more than twice as high. However, by modifying the combustion chamber along with the use of additional gaseous fuel, a reduction of CO by 15 % was achieved. Higher NO and SO₂ emissions were observed. It would be expedient to conduct research to a greater extent related to optimization of CO, NO and SO₂ emissions using other types of herbaceous biomass.

The focus of this paper is on the energy performance and thermo-economic assessment of small scale (50 kWth) heating plants to match a greenhouse (468 m²) energy demand. The annual energy demand of an air inflated-double layer polyethylene film greenhouse located in Apulia region (South of Italy) is considered. Two different system configurations are designed to produce hot-water by using low enthalpy geothermal source and a natural gas engine. The systems analyzed are: i) a grid-connected and electricity-driven ground source heat pump, ii) a gas engine-driven ground source heat pump feed by natural gas. The heat pump Model NRW 127 HA (brand AERMEC), which uses R407c as a refrigerant fluid circulating inside its circuit, is the unit used in the i) system. Instead, the Model AWGP450E1 16HP manufactured by Aisin (TOYOTA) is the gas heat pump unit used in the ii). According to the technical data provided by the manufacturers, the GSHP and GSGHP output is 48 kW thermal power and the input is 36 kW. The GSHP and the GSGHP are equipped with ten geothermal closed-loop vertical boreholes 100 m deep and modelled assuming data from existing commercial plants. The global thermal resistance values of the covering material of the greenhouse were 0.13 m²· °C·W^-1. The investment profitability is assessed in light of the Italian regulations. The coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pumps is 4 for configuration i), while the gas utilization efficiency of the ii) systems is 1.6 and the heating consumption of methane is 2.2 kg·h^-1. The heating system increased the greenhouse air temperatures by 10 °C respect to the external air temperatures and climate conditions. Average hot water outlet temperatures between 35 °C and 45 °C are obtained over the considered range of the external operating parameters and this met the temperature demand of the greenhouse.

The European Directive concerning pesticide sustainable use establishes regulations to reduce the environmental drift throughout treatments to agricultural crops, particularly in nearby sensitive areas, such as water bodies, natural reserves and urban areas. The drift represents the fraction of mixture delivered by the sprayer that is not caught by the crop, and is the clearest cause of environmental pollution. Anti-drift nozzles are usually employed, and buffer zones are also maintained along the edges of the sprayed field to reduce drift production. The aim of this work was the theoretical study of the motion of the spray droplets delivered by a nozzle, dipped in downwards and/or lateral forced air flows. A mathematical model has been developed, consisting of a system of 2nd order differential equations, to simulate the motion of water droplets of different diameters within simultaneous different directions of air flow. The graphs, obtained by means of the numerical solution of the model, allow us to analyze the level of the droplets’ drift, according to their diameter and to the speed of the lateral and the downward air flows, respectively. A lateral airflow at a speed of 5 m·s^-1 produced a drift in its direction until 1.70 m for droplets from 100 to 500 micro in diameter. For larger drops, the impact of the downward airflow is not very significant. The results obtained by the numerical solution of the mathematical model have been compared with the results of experimental tests carried out to evaluate the drift of spray produced by different nozzles.

This paper outlines a theory that involves the vibrational wave transportation of bulk grain during the course of passing that grain under an infrared radiation source, in a working thermal radiation drying chamber, and using a vibrational wave transporter belt that has been developed by the authors of this paper. The main outstanding feature of the proposed design is the presence of mechanical off-centre vibration drives which generate the vibration in the working rollers at a preset amplitude and frequency, thereby generating a mechanical wave on the surface of the flexible transporter belt which ensures the movement of bulk grain along the processing zone which itself is being subjected to infrared radiation. A calculation method was developed for the oscillation system that is used in conjunction with the vibrational transportation of the grain mass, in order to be able to determine the forces that may be present in the vibrational system and to prepare the differential calculations for the movement of the vibrational drive’s actuators, utilising for this purpose Type II Lagrange equations. The solving of the aforementioned integral equations on a PC yielded a number of graphical dependencies in terms of kinetic and dynamic parameters for the vibrational system described above; the analysis of those dependencies provided a rational structural, along with kinetic and dynamic indicators. According to the results that were taken from theoretical and experimental studies on the functioning of the developed infrared grain dryer combined with a vibrational exciter, stable movement for its working roller takes place if the angular velocity of a drive shaft is changed within the range of between 50–80 rads^-1, whereas the amplitude of the indicated oscillations falls within the range of 3.0–4.0 mm. It has been discovered that a rational speed when transporting soy seeds during infrared drying falls between the range of between 0.15–0.60 cm·s^-1, whereas the amplitude of the indicated oscillations falls within the range of 3.0–4.0 mm. An increase of this parameter within the stated limits increases the time that it takes to achieve the stage in which a constant drying soy speed is reached by more than 2.5 times (from 205 seconds to 520 seconds), stabilising the figure at a level of 520 seconds, which makes it possible to recommend a range of transport speeds of between 0.15–0.40 cm·s^-1 under infrared radiation for the seeds in order to achieve the required moisture content with a single pass of the produce on the wave transporter. With that in mind, the power consumption levels for the vibrational exciter do not exceed 50W, while the angular velocity of the drive shaft’s rotation falls within the range of between 100– 120 rads^-1 . The results of the experimental study that has been conducted indicated that a rational transportation speed for the soy seeds on the wave transporter under infrared radiation is between 0.15–0.40 cm·s^-1.

Italian power generation through anaerobic digestion (AD) has grown significantly between 2009 and 2016, becoming an important renewable energy resource for the country, also thanks to the generous incentives for produced electricity available in the last years. This work focuses on the economic and environmental issues of AD technology and proposes a technoeconomic analysis of investment profitability without government support. In particular, the analysis focuses on an AD power plant fed by zootechnical wastewater and agro-industrial residues coupled to a cogeneration (CHP) system and a digestate-composting plant that produces soil fertilizers. We aim to determine the economic profitability of such AD power plants fed by innerfarm biomass wastes, exploiting digestate as fertilizer, using the cogenerated heat and taking into account the externalities (environmental benefits). Environmental analysis was carried out via a life cycle analysis (LCA), and encompassing the production of biogas, heat/electricity and compost in the downstream process. The un-released environmental emissions were converted into economic benefits by means of a stepwise approach. The results indicate that integrating a compost plant with a biogas plant can significantly increase the carbon credits of the process. The results were evaluated by means of a sensitivity analysis, and they report an IRR in the range of 6%–9% according to the Italian legislative support mechanisms, and possibilities to increase revenues with the use of digestate as fertilizer. The results significantly improve when externalities are included.

This study firstly examined certain methods of vineyard management typically adopted in Apulia for both table grapes and wine grapes. In the later phenological stages, guyot or spurred cordon vineyards have extremely abundant vegetation, which drastically limits the space available between the rows for the passage of a tractor, even for a narrow-track vehicle. On the other hand, vegetation in tendone vineyards is situated at approximately 1.90 m above the soil surface, so that total tractor height must be compatible with this cultivation method. Foliage canopies in these types of vineyard cultivation system were evaluated at the times of their maximum growth in order to identify the maximum possible size of a prototype tractor that would be able to pass between vineyard rows without interfering in any way with the vegetation and fruits. Using the results of field measurements, it was established that the prototype tractor must have a maximum height of 1600 mm, with a minimum front axle track of less than 1100 mm and a back axle track of less than 1000 mm. A tractor built to these specifications is now being tested in order to compare its performance with that of other tractors commonly used in Apulia in various agricultural contexts.

Wood and agricultural biomass pellets boost the potential as bio-fuels toward power production in tertiary and residential sectors. The production of pellets, however, is a multi-stage process where the supply-processing phases and the overall energy input strongly depend on the characteristics of the input biomass. In this paper, we describe the key features of the market for pellets in Italy, including national production and consumption data, production costs and prices, the available energy conversion systems, and the current regulatory issues. Moreover, we outline the main technical, economic, and end-user barriers that should be addressed in order to foster the growth of Italian pellet production. Additionally, we propose a methodology to evaluate the profitability of the pellet production chain, by assessing the investment and operation costs as a function of the quality of the raw biomass. The approach is applied to a real case study of a small firm producing wooden frames along with dry wood chips as the main by-product, which can be utilized subsequently for pellet production. Moreover, in order to optimize the size of the pellet production plant, further biomass was purchased from the market, including wood pruning and agricultural residues, wood chips from forestry, and uncontaminated residues of wood processing firms. A sensitivity analysis of the main technical and economic parameters (including the cost and quality of raw material, pellet market value, investment and operational costs, and plant lifetime) indicated that the biomass market price considerably aects the profitability of pellet production plants, particularly where the biomass has a high moisture content. Therefore, a 20% increase in the price of biomass with a high moisture content leads to a 60% fall in profitability index, turning it into negative one. This is due in particular to the costs of pre-treatment and drying of biomass, as well as to the lower energy content of wet biomass. As a result, the use of forestry residues with high moisture and high ash content, high costs of collection/transport, and high costs of pre-treatment and drying is not financially competitive.

A comparison of three different methods to evaluate the tree row volume (TRV) of a superhigh-density olive orchard is presented in this article. The purpose was to validate the suitability of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques with respect to manual and traditional methods of TRV detection. The use of UAV photogrammetry can reduce the amount of estimated biomass and, therefore, reduce the volume of pesticides to be used in the field by means of more accurate prescription maps. The presented comparison of methodologies was performed on an adult super-high-density olive orchard, planted with a density of 1660 trees per hectare. The first method (TRV1) was based on close-range photogrammetry from UAVs, the second (TRV2) was based on manual in situ measurements, and the third (TRV3) was based on a formula from the literature. The comparisons of TRV2-TRV1 and TRV3-TRV1 showed an average value of the difference equal to +13% (max: +65%; min: −11%) and +24% (max: +58%; min: +5%), respectively. The results show that the TRV1 method has high accuracy in predicting TRV with minor working time expenditure, and the only limitation is that professionally skilled personnel is required.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between minor rural buildings and the most relevant communication routes of the regional area made up of six municipalities which, until 2016, formed the Local Action Group Sud Est Barese (LAG SEB): Acquaviva delle Fonti, Casamassima, Conversano, Mola di Bari, and Noicattaro e Rutigliano (Apulia, Italy). Information on the territorial distribution and typological classification of buildings was obtained by the ocial cartography of Military Geographic Institute (IGM, 1:25,000) and the Regional Technical Map (CTR, 1:5000) using the Geographic Information System (GIS) software ArcMap ArcGis 10.1. IGM cartography was chosen due to the greater amount of information pertaining to typological classification as well as to toponymy identification. CTR cartography, used as a second cartographic source, has been useful for acquiring more up-to-date territorial information compared to the IGM, in particular concerning the infrastructures of the territory. Moreover, the use of the CTR has allowed us to verify whether buildings listed on IGM cartography still exist. The cartographic calculations have allowed us to investigate possible relationships between the typology and distribution of rural buildings and the network of public roads and urban centers. The study of the connection between building types, roads and urban centers has allowed us to better understand the spatial distribution criteria, thus acquiring useful information to outline intervention policies, the implementation of which would be used to attempt to recover and improve building structures.

The beet leaves and tops, which currently are excluded from the production process of sugar, could be an interesting opportunity for the production of renewable energy. Usually, the defoliators are joined with root collar remover machines, which are installed in front of the tractor. In working conditions on soils having natural roughness these front-mounted beet topper machines carried by tractors are aected by angular oscillations in a longitudinal-vertical plane that strongly aect the cutting uniformity. A theoretical study of these oscillations was carried out in this paper using Lagrange II kind equations, with the aim to assess the design and kinematic parameters of a front-mounted beet topper, corresponding to more stable and suitable movements in the longitudinal-vertical plane. A numerical simulation was then performed adopting the developed mathematical model. In order to improve the eciency of this harvesting machine, a significant role is assumed by the soil preparation. In this work the stiness and damping parameters of the feeler wheels pneumatic tires have been considered constant but further studies are in progress to assess their eective importance and influence for reducing the vibration of the front-mounted beet topper machine with the final aim to achieve a better machine design.

Electricity supply issues are the most critical in remote rural areas. Electricity is needed not only to ensure economic activity, but also to ensure high standards of living. The construction of power lines or the delivery of fuel for diesel generators is not always possible or economically feasible. Therefore, the most promising is the use of renewable energy sources to solve the electricity supply issues. Today there are various types of equipment that can be successfully used to solve autonomous power supply tasks of remote objects of agriculture. At the same time, in practice, the introduction of renewable energy sources is accompanied by the solution of a number of serious problems, connected primarily with the variability of most of the types of such energy used. Therefore, the most critical part is determining the potential of specific types of renewable sources in specific areas. The possibility of an independent preliminary assessment of the potential for the use of renewables is particularly relevant for small objects of agriculture. Due to limited resources they do not always have the opportunity to order professional research and evaluate their possibilities of renewable energy sources usage. This study is devoted to solving this issue, using the developed approaches and the latest publicly available tools. The results will help in the selection of equipment and the assessment of the possible amount of electricity that can be obtained within a certain period.

Energy consumption is one of the most important factors related to profitability in greenhouse systems, and it is a factor in both financial considerations and environmental impacts. Competitiveness in the greenhouse industry is highly dependent upon the energy demand of heating systems. This paper focuses on the use of geothermal energy in agricultural sector. A ground source heat pump system was designed for a new greenhouse complex in Ames, Iowa. An accurate study of the external air temperatures, solar radiation, time, wind speed, and boundary conditions was conducted. Electrical and heating energy, and power demands were analysed. For the greenhouse design presented, the greatest power demand was 350 kW for heating and 620 kW for cooling. These values permitted the greenhouse to be maintained at the temperature of 16.7 ºC, when the external temperature ranged from -20 ºC to 30 ºC. An economic analysis was conducted considering only the energy demand cost, and this cost was compared with the equivalent energy cost of fuel oil and natural gas systems for heating and the equivalent energy cost of the fan and pad systems for cooling. For heating purposes, the economic analysis showed that the total energy demand cost over the nine years of using a closed-loop GWHP was around 120,000 USD, whereas the fuel oil system was 364,000 USD, and the natural gas system was 253,000 USD. This yields cost savings of 67 % and 53 %, respectively. For the cooling purposes, the economic analysis is inconsistent, and the fact, the energy cost difference between the closed-loop ground source heat pump cooling system and fad and pad systems is huge, 83,000 USD for closed-loop ground source heat pump cooling and around 5,200 USD for the fan and pad system energy in nine years.

Remote sensing in precision agriculture that is achieved by using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) allows us to measure both the plant vigour and the water stress effect on the vegetation. It is possible to survey wide areas in relatively short times (e.g., 5-10 min/ha) with a ground resolution of 40mm/pixel (GSD). Ground Instantaneous Field of View (GIFoV) areas are collected and rendered to prescription maps (tiling and 2D orthorectification): these show the overall condition of the crops and highlight the areas subjected to water or nutritional stress. Identification of the water stressed areas allows the technician/operator to assess the spatial variability of the crop (simple ratio) first, and then conducting field interventions/experiments, such as fertilization plans, weeding, parasite/pathogen management strategies and so on. The aim of this paper is to study the maize crop health condition by means of the remote sensing technique using UAV through the study of the relation between NDVI and TOC. Remote sensing performed at the time (18/06/2018) led to the acquisition of the basic photograms used for building prescription maps meaningful to the agronomic evaluation of the crop condition and progress. The canopy reflectance data (NDVI) of the maize crop were statistically analysed via the Student’s t-test. Although the agronomic inputs were uniformly distributed, including the strict genetic basis of the hybrid used, we can infer that such spatial variability is ascribable to the physic-chemical characteristics of the soil, its texture and, possibly, a surfeit of carbonates that compromises the availability of nutrients.

Sugar beet haulm is a valuable animal fodder or a raw material for biogas generation. The most important indicator of the work of the cleaners is their energy-power characteristics since they affect the amount of the operating costs and the economic performance, on the whole. The purpose of the experimental investigations was to determine the nature of the change in the torque moment and power on the drive of the vertical cleaner, tractive power, as well as the draft resistance of the root crop head cleaner. Experimental investigations were carried out under the field conditions. In order to study the draft resistance of the working tool, the tensometry method was used. Dependences of the change in the tractive power and the torque moment upon the speed of the movement of the experimental root head cleaner from the haulm residues have been determined. The rational modes of operation of the cleaner are: the forward speed of its movement, equal to 1.5 m·s^-1, the angular speed of rotation of the cleaning tool must be within 60.0...63.0 rad·s^-1. The completeness of cleaning the root crop heads from the haulm residues by the experimental cleaner is 95.9 %, the degree of throwing of the haulm and the plant residues beyond the row is 99.96 %.

For the purposes of carrying out field experiments using the vertical-type cleaner with its elastic cleaning blades to remove haulm residues from the crowns of standing roots, the programme for this process and the technique behind it have both been developed by basing the process on the measurement of the volume of haulm residues that are left on the root crowns after they have been cleaned by a cleaning tool that operates at pre-set values in terms of its translational velocity, its height above the soil surface, and its rate of revolution. In addition, the cleaner’s energy-and-force performance has also been determined. In this process, the new laboratory and the field experimental unit have been put together. The unit comprises a rear-mounted root crown cleaner of the rotary type with a vertical axis of rotation. During the field experiments, the general-purpose tractor which carries it moves at a pre-set velocity as registered by the track measuring wheel; the general height of the cleaning tool’s position is set within the specified range by the use of two pneumatic feeler wheels that are equipped with adjustment mechanisms. The results of the completed investigations have been statistically processed with the use of the regression analysis and correlation analysis methods. On the basis of the developed multiple-factor experiment technique, empirical mathematical models have been generated in the form of regression equations for the process of cleaning the crown’s of sugar beet roots. In accordance with the results of the calculations, it has been established that the translational velocity of the implement has the greatest level of impact on the volume of haulm residue that remains on the spherical surfaces of root crowns after cleaning. The rate of rotation for the vertical cleaning rotor and its height above the soil surface which are controlled by the two pneumatic feeler wheels have a lesser effect on the process under consideration.

One of the principal problems in the harvesting of potatoes is the cleaning of the lifted heap from soil and plant impurities. The low quality in the performance of this harvesting work process operation is the main cause of the withdrawal from fields of considerable amounts of fertile soil. In order to facilitate choosing the optimal parameters for the new design of the spiral potato heap cleaning unit, a mathematical model of sieving the soil impurities through its cleaning spirals has been developed. The obtained analytical expressions have been solved with the use of a PC and the results have been used for plotting the graphic relations between the parameters of the examined process of a variable-mass body’s motion on the surface of a spiral, which have made it possible to select the optimal design and kinematic parameters of the spiral cleaning unit under consideration. The obtained graphic relations indicate that the rate of sieving in the spiral separator depends on many factors, including the initial mass, the design dimensions (spiral’s radius, helix angle etc.), the frictional properties of the surface, the angular parameters of the position of the potato heap elements on the spiral’s surface, and the angular velocity of the rotational motion of the spiral roll itself.

The employment of bales is of considerable interest in the agricultural sector due to the mechanization of the production chain, the ease of their manipulation and transport, the low requirements for, and flexibility of, their storage and the low manpower requirements. Forage bales are mainly employed in zootechny, which albeit with important changes, is today still an essential economic sector for our society. The optimization of results in the zootechnical field depends largely on the feeding of the animals; in this regard, fodder-crops play a fundamental role in the European agricultural and economic sector. The soil inside the fodder is often the vehicle for a large number of CFUs (colony forming units) of bacteria of the Clostridium genus, with consequent repercussions for the welfare of the cows as well as for the quality of the milk products. The purpose of this work was to assess the performance of the large square baler HD 1270, made by the Italian manufacturer “Cicoria Square Bales”, whose main characteristic is the high cleanliness level of the dried fodder. The experimental tests carried out seem to confirm the efficacy of the technical solutions adopted for this machine. However, in order to better understand the reliability of the machine in lowering the amount of impurities and soil present in the built square bales, further tests in different working conditions should be carried out in order to statistically evaluate the influence and the mutual interaction of the operating parameters.

The evolution of climate and of electrical devices are raising users’ awareness about the protection of structures and plants against common overvoltage phenomena and those ones of atmospheric origin. Therefore, a continuous evolution of thunderstorm phenomena, increasingly concentrated and intense, is occurring. Conversely, electric devices are increasingly being equipped with electronics indispensable for their right functioning and are very sensitive to electromagnetic phenomena of an induced and conducted nature. In Italy, the law concerning work health and safety compels employers to assess the risk raised by lightning and to ensure that buildings, systems, structures, and equipment are protected from the effects of lightning in agreement with national and international technical standards. In the agricultural livestock sector, the new guidelines of agricultural policy in Italy requires farms to re-examine their structures, in particular the compatibility with animal protection requirements. In the event of a fault, the electric circuit must be interrupted in times not higher than expected and, in particular in the agricultural and zootechnical structures, it is necessary to maintain the contact voltages to negligible values by carrying out additional equipotential connections among the masses and with foreign masses that can be touched. Furthermore, particular attention is required in limiting the step voltage to which animals are particularly sensitive to, by connecting the electro-welded metal grids, which are commonly located under the concrete floor of animal shelters, to the earth collector. Taking in mind the aforesaid, the aim of this work was to analyze the technical standard concerning the protection from lightning with reference to the agricultural livestock sector and the study of the salient components to set up a suitable lightning protection system for a medium-sized stable.

The correct sprayer setting, with the appropriate selection of the operative parameters such as forward speed, airflow rate, volume rate, and distribution profiles according to the geometrical and morphological features of the target, is a key point in all phytosanitary treatments. The assessment of distribution profiles usually requires the use of patternators, able to intercept the spray jet and then to provide information useful for sprayer calibration. The present paper analyses the correlations between foliar deposits measured during treatments in a “tendone” vineyard and the quantities of mixture intercepted by a patternator (distribution profile) used during the preliminary calibration of the sprayer, assuming the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of the vineyard as reference. All correlations between patternator deposits and LAI of the vineyard and between foliar deposits and patternator deposits were statistically significant, so demonstrating the importance of patternators as powerful tools during the sprayer calibration process.

The harvest techniques and the employed machines are important factors in reducing soil loss due to root crop harvesting. Furthermore, the deviation of the working organs of the self-propelled sugar root harvesting machines from the axis of the row also leads to significant losses and damage to sugar beetroots. Therefore, the self-propelled machine units must move in a horizontal plane with a high degree of accuracy. The purpose of this study is to increase the efficiency of the self-propelled harvester by analyzing its plane-parallel motion and evaluating its constructive and kinematic parameters. In order to determine the influence of these parameters on the plane-parallel motion of the self-propelled root harvesting machine, its mathematical model has been calculated. Furthermore, experimental tests were executed in order to evaluate the degree of damage to sugar beetroot crops during their digging, depending on the magnitude of the deviations of the center of the digging tool. The results of this trials highlighted that if the crop row deviates from the conventional axis line by 10 mm, the root crop damage exceeds is 21.7% and at deviations by 70 mm, the damage exceeds 67%. The theoretical study of the trajectory of the center of the outside digging tool and the experimental evaluation of its work (in terms of the quality of harvesting with deviations in its trajectory of motion) formally confirm the coincidence of all the studies—both theoretical and experimental. The use of the model of the plane-parallel movement of the self-propelled root harvesting machine then improves the quality parameters of the technological process.

Protection of greenhouse crops in southern Italy usually requires 15–20 phytosanitary treatments per year, with volume rates in the range of 1000–2000 Lha-1, depending on the plant growth stage. The most widespread sprayers are hand-held, high-pressure devices, which may expose operators to high levels of pesticides. This paper, also with the aim to lead toward a more sustainable use of greenhouses in agricultural productions, including some aspects of workers’ safety, reports the results of experimental tests aimed at measuring the amount of the mixture deposited on the worker’s body (potential dermal exposure, PDE) during pesticide applications to tomato and strawberry plants in a protected environment. Experimental tests on tomatoes were carried out taking into account two plant growth stages (flowering and senescence), two types of spray lance, two working pressures (1 and 2 MPa), and two walking directions (forwards and backwards). Those on the strawberries were carried out at the maturity of the fruit growth stage, comparing two hand-held sprayers (a standard spray gun and a short hand-held spray boom equipped with two nozzles) and working according to the common practice: forwards movement of the operator and high pressure (2 MPa). The results showed that with the tomato plants, the most important factor in reducing the deposit on the operator was the walking direction: on average, the PDE was 718 mL per 1000 L of the sprayed mixture (0.72h) while walking forwards and 133 mL (0.13h) while walking backwards. The reduction factor ranged from 3.0 at the flowering growth stage to 7.2 at the senescence growth stage. With respect to the strawberry plants, the PDE was significantly higher when the operator used the short hand-held spray boom (887 mL per 1000 L of the sprayed mixture, equivalent to 0.89h), rather than the spray gun (344 mL, 0.34h). In both cases, the most exposed body parts were the lower limbs, which accounted for 89–94% of the total PDE.

The process of fruit juices production should be characterised by a high efficiency, while the final product should have a high content of soluble solids, low acidity and a high content of health-promoting components. Currently, screw presses are becoming increasingly popular especially on small farms and households. Their construction has a great impact on yield pressing and quality characteristics of juice. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of the press type on juice extraction efficiency and on the total amount of released polyphenols. The scope of the study included also the determination of the juice quality parameters such as the content of soluble solids, pH, viscosity and density. Apple fruits were pressed using two types of machines: a single-screw press and a twin gear juice extractor. Study results demonstrate that the pressing efficiency depends on the press construction. The highest yield of extraction was obtained for the twin-screw press. Under the experimental conditions, there was no influence of the press type on the quality properties of the juice, except for its viscosity. However, the quality characteristics of the juice depended on the apple variety. Higher contents of the extract and polyphenols were obtained in juice from the apple var. Jonagold juice and viscosity in juice from the apple var. Ligol juice. The use of the press offers the possibility of producing juices with desirable quality traits.

Anaerobic decomposition of plant residues from which biogas is produced, generates very large amounts of digestate. Due to its physicochemical properties post-digestion liquid can be used as a fertilizer. Postdigestion liquid was used in the field cultivation of fodder alfalfa and winter wheat. The content of macroelements and the content of protein in the grains of winter wheat fertilized with digestate were on the same levels as in the grains of wheat fertilized with mineral fertilizers. The analysis showed a similar content of macroelements in alfalfa leaves fertilized both with post-digestion liquid and mineral fertilizers as well. Fertilizing fields with digestate brings destruction of possible pathogens. Digestate utilization as a fertilizer brings tangible benefits in agricultural production, but it is also a product, the application of which can reduce the negative effects of mineral fertilization and contribute to development of sustainable agriculture. The study has shown that digestate can be used as a fertilizer.

Remote sensing applications within precision agriculture are mainly based on spectroscopy techniques, with the employment of optical sensors for the measurement of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths. Experimental evaluations of the physiological status of maize crops witha land area of about 4 ha on a farm located near the city of Lucera (Foggia province, Southern Italy) were carried out using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with sensors able to acquire thermal, multispectral and RGB images. The UAV was programmed to follow a path specified by several waypoints and the images were acquired from a constant altitude of 70 m with a 70 % overlap at a speed of 10 m·s-1. PixelWrench2 software was used to reconstruct the acquired images and to assess the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). The analysis of the reflectance and emissivity did not highlight anomalies linked to likely incipient diseases, parasitic attacks or stress from nutritional deficiencies. The study of the images, however, pointed out a non-homogenous development of the plants in some zones most probably produced by a malfunction of the irrigation system. The thermal analysis confirmed this hypothesis. Further investigations carried out using UAV flights would be very useful to obtain a more detailed analysis of the state of the vegetation with a study of the temporal variability.

LPG, diesel and natural gas are generally used for greenhouse conditioning. Alternative technologies should be developed to increase the productivity of the protected environments. Innovative solutions are represented by photovoltaic, geothermal, wind and solar thermal integrated in a stand-alone system in agriculture land. The present paper compares the performances of two renewable energy systems for greenhouse heating based on geothermal and hydrogen technologies. The first integrated system is composed by a photovoltaic array, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell and a ground source heat pump connected to a geothermal borehole. The second system, instead, is composed by a photovoltaic array, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage tank and a gas engine heat pump connected to a geothermal borehole. In order to compare the two systems, both heat pumps produced the same greenhouse heating power input. The results show a difference between the internal and external greenhouse air temperature from 7 to 15 ºC in winter, considering a deep insulating greenhouse cover material. As regarding the first system, the following energy efficiency has been calculated, photovoltaic arrays 13 %, electrolyzer 50 %, fuel cell 40 % and the ground source heat pump coefficient of performance 400 %. Than the total energy efficiency of the first system is 10.4 %. Instead, the overall efficiency of the second system is 11.9 % considering the same performance of the photovoltaic arrays and the electrolyzer of the first system and the ground source gas engine heat pump’s primary energy ratio of 181 %. The primary energy ratio of the ground source gas engine heat pump seems to be low and not competitive respect to the coefficient of performance of a ground source heat pump, but considering the overall efficiencies of the both systems the performances are reversed. Furthermore, the first system is more complex than the second one.

Mushrooms represent typical high quality and high-price niche products. Especially in summer, the mushroom price is usually high due to the limited production. The only way to cultivated mushrooms, during the hot season, is to decrease the air temperatures and increase the humidity content through use of cooling technologies in controlled environment. Unfortunately, the traditional systems used for greenhouse conditioning and the cooling cost are not economically sustainable in summer and the thermal levels reached inside the greenhouse are too low. Alternative solutions are represented by renewable energy plants as photovoltaic and geothermal integrated systems for greenhouse daytime cooling. In this paper, a small capacity heat pump (6.5 kW) for cooling a greenhouse in south of Italy is analysed. The heat pump is coupled to a vertical closed loop geothermic borehole and the electric energy necessary to feed the heat pump is supplied by photovoltaic array. The average energy efficiency ratio of the heat pump, the operating parameters of the heating systems and the weather conditions outside and inside the greenhouse are investigated. The data collection and mushroom cultivation period was from 08 to 25 July 2016, but the results were reported from 21 to 25 July 2016. The analysis shows that the greenhouse environmental conditions reached in the greenhouse are sustainable for mushroom cultivation only when the heat pump is used. Thanks to the geothermic borehole the average energy efficiency ratio of the hat pump in cooling mode ranges from 6 to 8, this value is double than the efficiency achieved by the traditional air to air source heat pumps. The results underline that the geothermal heat pump with high energy efficiency ratio improves the environmental conditions inside the greenhouse and represents a sustainable solution during the summer for high-price crops.

Rapeseed is an important alternate oilseed crop in central Europe, Poland. Technical progression in sustainable agriculture requires the need for further research in more and newer analytical methods to reduce the time of analysis and to minimize the costs routine of tests for the highest accuracy of the results. This possibility is provided by infrared (IR) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The paper presents various methods of measuring the basic quality parameters (moisture, damage and contamination of raw material) of winter rapeseed for cultivars: Abacus, Bellevue, and Adriana + Catana (concoction). Statistically significant differences resulting from various measurement systems between the results obtained by the means of sieve methods and infrared (IR) have been observed. A three-dimensional way of measuring the seed shape used in the three-dimensional particle size analyser (AWK 3D) suggests that it is more accurate than the measurement applying the two-dimensional method used in the shaker with a set of sieves. All tested cultivars were characterized by optimum moisture contents ranging within 6.0-7.4 %. The greatest differences have been found for the results in the case of the resistance method of moisture, which was damaging for seeds. The largest number of contaminants and damaged seeds has been noted in Bellevue and Adriana + Catana cultivars, which amounted to 7.45 % and 5.33 % respectively. The highest percentage share of rapeseeds for all cultivars has been observed on a sieve with 2 mm of mesh that had collected the largest quantity of Bellevue seeds (94.71 %). The mean 95.24 % of the tested rapeseeds had a spherical shape and 4.76 % have been recognized as contaminations or damaged seeds.

Self-propelled machines equipped with mobile elevated platforms able to raise workers and materials are frequently employed for orchard’s operations, such as harvesting fruit, pruning operations, opening and closing anti-hail nets and so on. The European standardization Committee (CEN) approved a new specific standard processing, the upcoming EN 16952. This Standard defines the conditions pertinent to different aspects of the mobile aerial platforms and of the automatic control systems in order to have different devices to grant the workers’ safety. The main safety requirements and measures provided by the forthcoming standard EN 16952 are analysed and highlighted in this paper.

Nowadays, the traditional energy sources used for greenhouse heating are fossil fuels such as LPG, diesel and natural gas. The global energy demand will continue to grow and alternative technologies need to be developed in order to improve the sustainability of crop production in protected environments. Innovative solutions are represented by renewable energy plants such as photovoltaic, wind and geothermal integrated systems, however, these technologies need to be connected to the power grid in order to store the energy produced. On agricultural land, power grids are not widespread and stand-alone renewable energy systems should be investigated especially for greenhouse applications. The aim of this research is to analyze, by means of a mathematical model, the energy efficiency of a photovoltaic (8.2 kW), hydrogen (2.5 kW) and ground source gas heat pump (2.2 kW) integrated in a stand-alone system used for heating an experimental greenhouse tunnel (48 m2) during the winter season. A yearlong energy performance analysis was conducted for three different types of greenhouse cover materials, a single layer polyethylene film, an air inflated-double layer polyethylene film, and a double acrylic or polycarbonate. The results of one year showed that the integrated system had a total energy efficiency of 14.6%. Starting from the electric energy supplied by the photovoltaic array, the total efficiency of the hydrogen and ground source gas heat pump system was 112% if the coefficient of the performance of the heat pump is equal to 5. The heating system increased the greenhouse air temperatures by 3–9 °C with respect to the external air temperatures, depending on the greenhouse cover material used.

The aim of this paper is the analysis of the almond harvesting system with a very high level of mechanization frequently used in Apulia for the almond harvesting and hulling process. Several tests were carried out to assess the technical aspects related to the machinery and to the mechanized harvesting system used itself, highlighting their usefulness, limits, and compatibility within the almond cultivation sector. Almonds were very easily separated from the tree, and this circumstance considerably improved the mechanical harvesting operation efficiency even if the total time was mainly affected by the time required to manoeuvre the machine and by the following manual tree beating. The mechanical pick-up from the ground was not effective, with only 30% of the dropped almond collected, which mainly was caused by both the pick-up reel of the machine being unable to approach the almonds dropped near the base of the trunk and the surface condition of the soil being unsuitably arranged for a mechanized pick-up operation. The work times concerning the hulling and screening processes, carried out at the farm, were heavily affected by several manual operations before, during, and after the executed process; nevertheless, the plant work capability varied from 170 to 200 kg/h with two operators.

Apulia (Southern Italy) is the leading Italian region for the production of olive oil (115•10⁶ kg of oil/year), and the olive oil chain is really important from a business point of view. Currently, the extraction of olive oil is essentially performed by using a mechanical pressing process (traditional olive oil mills), or by the centrifugation process (modern olive oil mills). The aim of this paper is to evaluate in detail the noise levels within a typical olive oil mill located in the northern part of the Apulia region during olive oil extraction. The feasibility of this study focusing on the assessment of workers’ exposure to noise was tested in compliance with the Italian-European Regulations and US standards and criteria. Several measurements of the noise emission produced by each machine belonging to the productive cycle were carried out during olive oil production. The results obtained were then used to evaluate possible improvements to carry out in order to achieve better working conditions. An effective reduction in noise could probably be achieved through a combination of different solutions, which obviously have to be assessed not only from a technical point of view but also an economic one. A significant reduction in noise levels could be achieved by increasing the area of the room allotted to the olive oil extraction cycle by removing all the unnecessary partition walls that might be present.

In this paper, the authors investigated in the farmers’ EMF exposures when they operate in the vicinity of mobile telephone RBSs in order to assess if in the operating frequency range of a transmitting station used by mobile phone service the limits imposed by the Italian laws are kept into proper consideration. Three mobile telephone RBSs having different geometrical and technical features, placed on rural areas of the Apulia Region have been considered. By means of a series of parallelepipeds constructed using a piece of software specifically designed it is possible to state that effective electric field that each of the three investigated stations produced was such that the exposure levels to which farmers are subjected in the surrounding SRB areas are safely within the Italian law limits.

Citrus fruits destined to the fresh market are subject to several treatments in packing lines with the aim of lengthen shelf-life, increase commercial value, and comply with the rules on marketing. During the treatments, fruits collide with each other and with components of the machines and undergo mechanical damage that can be very serious. Therefore, operators make changes to the machines in order to reduce number and intensity of impacts. This paper reports the results of a study on the impacts suffered by oranges during packing operations, carried out by using an instrumented sphere IS100. Experimental measurements were conducted in a packing house equipped with two packing lines, where they were both traditional and innovative machines (regarding the empting and the filling of the bins, the release of the fruits from the sizing machines, the transfer of the fruits between belt conveyors), specifically designed to reduce the mechanical impacts to the fruits. The results showed that the innovations were effective in reducing the intensity of the impacts, expressed in terms of acceleration. The maximum acceleration was always lower (from 47 to 83 %) with respect to the conventional machines, whereas the average number of impacts per replicate was lower in the sizing machines (-6 %) and during the emptying of the bins (-36 %), but was higher during the transfer of the oranges between belt conveyors (+33 %) and during the filling of the bins (+73 %). The increase in the average number of impacts depends from the fact that the innovative systems “accompany” the fruits towards the exit, causing a greater number of impacts of lower intensity.

An experimental analysis aimed at measuring electromagnetic fields in the productive areas of an olive mill recently built in the Bari district was accomplished. The analysis’ main goal was to assess the workers’ health risk level due to the presence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (30 ÷ 300 Hz) mainly due to the presence of electrical distribution lines and electric motors operating at a frequency of 50 Hz with reference to a specific type of processing plants, widely spread in the Apulia region. A first analysis of the spatial layout of the electric machine was carried out, referring to their duty cycles and to workers’ tasks (taking into particular account the working places) identifying 12 most significant points in which the measurements of effective value of the electrical and magnetic field would have been carried out. Effective values of the electric field (E_RMS) as well as effective values of the magnetic induction field (B_RMS) measured in each testing point, were both significantly lower than the limit values required by law. Peak values of both the electric field (E_peak) and the magnetic induction field (B_peak) measured in the different testing points at the frequency of 50Hz, were lower than the corresponding effective values E_RMS and B_RMS. The results of the tests highlight that, inside the analysed olive mill, in the period of its maximum productivity, risks for the workers’ health related to their exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields are not relevant.

This paper reports the results of tests carried out in a super-intensive olive grove using the new towed model of the harvester produced by the Pellenc Company. Unlike the selfpropelled harvesters commonly used in olive groves, this machine needs of a tractor of suitable power for its displacement and for the feeding of hydraulic control and electrical devices necessary for the operation (shakers groups, conveyor, proximity probes, etc.). The obtained results of tests carried out showed that the performance of the towed Pellenc CV5045 is in line with those obtained with the common self-propelled over-the-row harvesters. The tested machine, coupled to tractor and governed by hydraulic devices, that control its alignment with respect to the soil and vegetation, has a less easy manoeuvrability than the corresponding self-propelled model, so requiring a considerable experience and attention of the tractor driver.

A trained single-row air-assisted tunnel recycling sprayer was developed by an Apulian Company in teamwork with the DISAAT of the University of Bari, aimed at meeting the requirements of the espaliers trained vineyards located in the Salento (Southern Apulia). Tests were then performed to assess the set up prototype with relation to the characteristic of the studied espalier trained vines. It was then necessary to point out technical solutions aimed at to reduce the size of the frame at the front of the machine, where is located the fixed shield. These actions made the prototype more suitable to the characteristics of the studied vineyards and the defined technical solutions can be considered generalizable for the tunnel sprayers employed in such trained vines of the Salento. Further tests are necessary to better assess the performance of the prototype also in different phenological stages.

This study investigates the performance characteristics of a hydrogen and geothermal stand-alone system for greenhouses heating. The systems consist of photovoltaic panels connected to an electrolyzer that, during the daylight hours, produce hydrogen and then it is stored in a pressure tank. However at night, thank to a fuel-cell, the hydrogen was converted to electric energy in order to feed a ground source geothermal heat pump for greenhouse heating. The following conversion energy efficiencies factor of each system were measured: photovoltaic panels, 13%, electrolyzer, 48%, fuel-cell, 41% and finally, the coefficient of performance of geothermal heat pump of 5, and then the overall system efficiency, starting from the amount of solar energy available during the daylight hours, was of 12.8%.

An experimental analysis aimed at measuring electromagnetic fields in the productive areas of an olive mill recently built in the Bari district was accomplished. The analysis’ main goal was to assess the workers’ health risk level due to the presence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (30 ÷ 300 Hz) mainly due to the presence of electrical distribution lines and electric motors operating at a frequency of 50 Hz with reference to a specific type of processing plants, widely spread in the Apulia region. A first analysis of the spatial layout of the electric machine was carried out, referring to their duty cycles and to workers’ tasks (taking into particular account the working places) identifying 12 most significant points in which the measurements of effective value of the electrical and magnetic field would have been carried out. Effective values of the electric field (E_RMS) as well as effective values of the magnetic induction field (B_RMS) measured in each testing point, were both significantly lower than the limit values required by law. Peak values of both the electric field (E_peak) and the magnetic induction field (B_peak) measured in the different testing points at the frequency of 50Hz, were lower than the corresponding effective values E_RMS and B_RMS. The results of the tests highlight that, inside the analysed olive mill, in the period of its maximum productivity, risks for the workers’ health related to their exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields are not relevant.

This paper reports the results of tests carried out in a super-intensive olive grove using the new towed model of the harvester produced by the Pellenc Company. Unlike the selfpropelled harvesters commonly used in olive groves, this machine needs of a tractor of suitable power for its displacement and for the feeding of hydraulic control and electrical devices necessary for the operation (shakers groups, conveyor, proximity probes, etc.). The obtained results of tests carried out showed that the performance of the towed Pellenc CV5045 is in line with those obtained with the common self-propelled over-the-row harvesters. The tested machine, coupled to tractor and governed by hydraulic devices, that control its alignment with respect to the soil and vegetation, has a less easy manoeuvrability than the corresponding self-propelled model, so requiring a considerable experience and attention of the tractor driver.

A trained single-row air-assisted tunnel recycling sprayer was developed by an Apulian Company in teamwork with the DISAAT of the University of Bari, aimed at meeting the requirements of the espaliers trained vineyards located in the Salento (Southern Apulia). Tests were then performed to assess the set up prototype with relation to the characteristic of the studied espalier trained vines. It was then necessary to point out technical solutions aimed at to reduce the size of the frame at the front of the machine, where is located the fixed shield. These actions made the prototype more suitable to the characteristics of the studied vineyards and the defined technical solutions can be considered generalizable for the tunnel sprayers employed in such trained vines of the Salento. Further tests are necessary to better assess the performance of the prototype also in different phenological stages.

This study investigates the performance characteristics of a hydrogen and geothermal stand-alone system for greenhouses heating. The systems consist of photovoltaic panels connected to an electrolyzer that, during the daylight hours, produce hydrogen and then it is stored in a pressure tank. However at night, thank to a fuel-cell, the hydrogen was converted to electric energy in order to feed a ground source geothermal heat pump for greenhouse heating. The following conversion energy efficiencies factor of each system were measured: photovoltaic panels, 13%, electrolyzer, 48%, fuel-cell, 41% and finally, the coefficient of performance of geothermal heat pump of 5, and then the overall system efficiency, starting from the amount of solar energy available during the daylight hours, was of 12.8%.

The electromagnetic field (EMF) levels generated by mobile telephone radio base stations (RBS) situated on ruralagricultural lands were assessed in order to evaluate the exposure of farm workers in the surrounding area. The expected EMF at various distances from a mobile telephone RBS was calculated using an ad hoc numerical forecast model. Subsequently, the electric fields around some RBS on agricultural lands were measured, in order to obtain a good approximation of the effective conditions at the investigated sites. The viability of this study was tested according to the Italian Regulations concerning general and occupational public exposure to time-varying EMFs. The calculated E-field values were obtained with the RBS working constantly at full power, but during the in situ measurements the actual power emitted by RBS antennas was lower than the maximum level, and the E-field values actually registered were much lower than the calculated values.

The rapid spread of mobile telephone technology has greatly increased the number of the radio base stations (RBS) in Italy during the recent years. The analysis of the electromagnetic field levels generated by radio base stations (RBS) situated on rural-agricultural lands allows evaluating the farm workers exposure in the surrounding area. These workers are generally unaware of their exposure and the potential risks, and are not trained to take appropriate precautions. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the electromagnetic field produced by a mobile phone RBS situated on a rural area according to the Italian Regulation concerning the exposure of workers to EMF and the recent European Standard that assesses “Exposure Limit Values” (ELV) and “Action Levels” (AL) in the frequency range used by the RBS.

The implementation of the energy utility strategies designed to influence customer use of electricity in ways to produce desired changes in the utility’s load shape and provide ancillary regulation services to the grid was carried out since vertically integrated electric industries. In particular, the Demand Response (DR) became a significant part of utilities’ strategies to meet current and future energy end-users needs. The goal is to avoid construction of generation facilities that would be operated for relatively few hours per year and/or costly power purchases, by strategic shifting of customer loads. In this study, a methodology is proposed to select the optimal load management strategy, including on site cogeneration of heat and power by means of local biomass fuel and natural gas, and applied to the case study of a wood processing firm in the Italian energy scenario.

The electromagnetic field generated by radio base stations (RBS) located on rural-agricultural lands was evaluated both using an ad hoc numerical forecast model and measuring the effective electric fields around some RBS located on Italian agricultural lands. The viability of this study was tested according to the Italian Regulations concerning general and occupational public exposure to time-varying EMFs. The actual power emitted by RBS antennas was much lower than the calculated values.

The number of the radio base stations (RBS) has increased in recent years in Italy, due to the rapid spread of mobile telephone technology. The analysis of the electromagnetic fields generated by RBS situated on rural-agricultural lands allows to evaluate the farm workers exposure in the surrounding area. These workers are generally unaware of their exposure and the potential risks, and are not trained to take appropriate precautions. The E-fields generated by some RBS operating in the GSM, UMTS and LTE bands and situated on agricultural land in the rural areas of Apulia (Italy) were measured.

The third era in olive oil extraction sees a new generation of decanter that give the operator the possibility to chose time by time the type of working: two or three phase shifting from one solution to the other without stopping the machine and even intermediate solutions between two or three phase, making the most suitable adjustments, following olive variety, just as the machine works. A decanter centrifuge was employed during the experimental tests with variable differential speed between bowl and screw conveyor (Δn) and with regulation capability of oil-pulp ring levels. Thus permit to shift from three to two phase, reducing water added and discharging the following byproducts: dehydrated husk similar to that of three-phase and recovers a wet pulp that is the between the liquid phase and the solid phase. This paper aims to report the preliminary results of the energy and functional efficiency of the decanter when it works in the industrial scale plant and using a continuous method. The tests were carried out at two different flow rate values; for each flow rate the different variable differential speed between bowl and screw conveyor was varied at 15,50, 17,50 and 19,50. Quality olive, operating speed of the crusher machine and relative feed flow rate of the machine, the malaxing time and the degree of dilution of the paste, as well as the oil-pulp ring level were the same for all the trials. Irrespective of the flow rate and Δn used, the machine tends to stabilize energy consumption in a very short time and values were quite similar to each other. The reductions in flow rate do not involve reductions of energy consumption indeed lead to the increase of absorption per unit mass of product worked. For all thesis studied, no significant changes of the oil recovery efficiency were found, indeed changing the flow rate and the Δn a different distribution of the not extracted oil was found in the pulp and in the husk. To complete the knowledge, a set of tests changing also the oil-pulp ring levels, has been provided for the next olive oil season.

Nella presente nota si riportano i risultati di uno studio mirato all’analisi del campo elettrico generato da Stazioni Radio Base posizionate su terreni agricoli allo scopo di valutare l’esposizione degli operatori durante le lavorazioni di campo effettuate in aree ad esse circostanti. Per il rischio degli operatori si fa riferimento ai limiti di esposizione ed ai valori di attenzione (per permanenze non superiori alle quattro ore) riportati nel D.P.C.M. 08/07/2003 Art. 3 ovvero, per le frequenze a cui operano le SRB di telefonia cellulare, rispettivamente 20 V/m e 6 V/m. Sulla base dei risultati ottenuti, si può affermare che esiste effettivamente un pericolo per la salute degli operatori che compiono lavori in prossimità di SRB per telefonia cellulare per un periodo superiore alle 4 ore; tale rischio, però, si riduce sensibilmente e diviene accettabile considerando le effettive condizioni di funzionamento delle Stazione Radio Base, notevomente inferiori a quelle nominali.

In this note the experimental results of an analysis of the electromagnetic fields present in the productive area of new built oil-mill, placed in Bari district, considered representative of the majority of such a kind of the workshops in the Apulia region, are reported. Introductory study's purpose has been evidently to evaluate the exposure level of the workers during an oil production activity, inside a typology of transformation systems much spread on the Apulian territory that, even though with seasonal character, gives occupation to a big number of operators. Results of the tests highlight that inside the considered oil-mill there are not electromagnetic pollution risks for the operators during the period of maximum use of its productive capacities.

Herein note focussed the attention on the vibration levels issued by two portable shakers models build in different and subsequent times by the same building company, which present different design and constructive solutions for both the handles. The two tools were used, during tests, by a single operator, expert in the use of this typology of tools due to his job activity during the olives harvesting campaigns; the measurements were carried out respecting the indications contained in the provisions UNI EN ISO 5349-1 (2004) and UNI EN ISO 5349-2 (2004). A different dynamic behaviour of the two tools emerged from the tests. The results point out, in a particular way, the high values of acceleration transmitted to the hand-arm system produced by the examined portable shakers: the vibration values are greatly higher than the limit ones laid down in the Italian law in force.

Herein note focussed the attention on the vibration levels issued by two portable shakers models build in different and subsequent times by the same building company, which present different design and constructive solutions for both the handles. The two tools were used, during tests, by a single operator, expert in the use of this typology of tools due to his job activity during the olives harvesting campaigns; the measurements were carried out respecting the indications contained in the provisions UNI EN ISO 5349. A different dynamic behaviour of the two tools emerged from the tests. Has been highlighted, also, the importance of the evaluation of the vibrations produced by portable shakers with the purposes to carry out studies that aim to the research of technical solutions which allow the reduction of vibrations transmission through the handles and through the shoulder support device of the tool.

The process of oil extraction within an oil mill involves the workers being exposed to a number of risks: movement of loads, specific postures, high level of noise etc. among these, one of the least studied is that of the microclimatic conditions within the workplace. By the term “microclimate” we mean the climatic variables within the workplace which cause temperature changes for those working there. A comfortable microclimate produces, when we talk of temperature and humidity, a feeling of satisfaction in most people; inappropriate microclimatic conditions, however, even when they do not have pathological effects, can cause physical discomfort and induce lower productivity and situations of danger.

L’entità delle vibrazioni trasmesse attraverso il sistema mano-braccio e gli effetti conseguenti sono fortemente influenzati dalla forza prensile e/o premente dell’operatore che, ovviamente, varia in funzione della posizione delle mani e dei polsi durante la lavorazione, del livello di finitura richiesto dalla stessa lavorazione e dell’impiego simultaneo delle due mani. Nella presente nota si riportano i primi risultati di valutazioni effettuate sui livelli di accelerazione trasmesse attraverso le impugnature degli scuotitori portatili, durante le operazioni di raccolta delle olive; questi apparecchi, infatti, sono sempre più utilizzati negli areali olivicoli pugliesi per le operazioni di raccolta delle drupe dagli alberi, soprattutto per la maggiore economicità di investimento e di esercizio rispetto agli scuotitoti tradizionali portati o semoventi.

Le operazioni di estrazione olearia all’interno dei frantoi comportano l’esposizione a molteplici fattori di rischio per gli addetti: movimentazione di carichi, posture particolari, rumore elevato, ecc.; fra questi, uno forse meno analizzato è quello relativo alle condizioni microclimatiche all’interno dei locali di lavoro. Va altresì detto che un microclima non appropriato, anche quando non crea effetti patologici, può interferire con il sistema di termoregolazione di un individuo, creando una situazione di discomfort. Sulla base di quanto esposto, si sono considerati diversi frantoi, fra i più rappresentativi, per qualità e produttività, nella Regione Puglia e, al loro interno, sono stati rilevati i parametri termo-igrometrici ambientali durante le lavorazioni di estrazione olearia e le sensazioni termiche percepite dagli addetti.
Successivamente, utilizzando la normativa tecnica vigente inerente agli ambienti termicamente moderati è stato effettuato uno studio della tematica mettendo a punto un codice numerico che calcola gli indici PMV e PPD ed elabora automaticamente i grafici per l’analisi della sensazione termica e di relativo disagio di individui presenti all’interno di locali. Lo scopo che la ricerca si propone è quello di sviluppare una procedura informatica che automatizzi i criteri per la valutazione del grado di affaticamento termico degli addetti durante le operazioni di estrazione nei frantoi oleari e che possa, quindi tornare utile durante la progettazione di nuovi frantoi per prevedere le sensazioni termiche degli operai oppure per valutare l’attendibilità, mediante rilevazioni strumentali, di segnalazioni di disagio o disturbo termico da parte di lavoratori di frantoi presenti nei diversi settori di lavorazione.

Il presente studio si propone di individuare alcune indicazioni progettuali di massima relative ai possibili interventi per il contenimento dell’inquinamento acustico, che si dovesse manifestare durante il ciclo di estrazione olearia all’interno dei frantoi.

Il rilevante sviluppo della meccanizzazione integrata agricola, avvenuto negli ultimi anni, se per un verso ha indotto un considerevole aumento della produttività, per altro verso ha reso impellente l’attenzione e lo studio di tutte le tematiche collegate al rischio di infortuni, all’affaticamento degli operatori ed alla insorgenza di malattie professionali nel comparto agrario.

Nel settore delle macchine agricole, la emissione di rumore è accompagnata, nella maggior parte dei casi, da emissioni di vibrazioni che possono causare patologie per gli operatori. Si sono rilevati i livelli di vibrazioni emessi da una macchina molto utilizzata per le operazioni di raccolta delle olive in Puglia, laddove l’utilizzo di una macchina scuotitrice tradizionale diventa anti-economico o, addirittura, risulta impedito per le ridotte dimensioni dei sesti di impianto e/o per l’accidentalità dei percorsi. La macchina presa in considerazione è uno scuotitore di piccole dimensioni portato a spalla dall’operatore, azionato da un motore ad accensione per scintilla, che genera vibrazioni monodirezionali alternative mediante un dispositivo biella-manovella.

The estimate of risk in urban planning activities should cover a primary role in order to avoid natural disasters. The risk assessment results from the product between the vulnerability of the value at risk and the hazard. The hazard measures the probability of the occurrence of the adverse natural event for human lives and activities, such as flood, slides, earthquakes, etc. Therefore the most important point in risk assessment is the hazard evaluation. Here the hazard of landslides generated by seismic events are investigated. The stability of a slope during or after a seismic event can be studied by means of different methods according to the approximation accepted. In fact the pseudo-static approach estimates the stability of a slope under dynamic loads by the dynamic safety factor. It results from the pseudo-static approach, by means of the ratio between the shear strength of the soil and the stress condition induced by seismic loads. This approach is not able to account for either the seismic displacements of the slope or the influence of the duration and the time variation of the seismic struck acceleration over the slope displacements. These latter two aspects of the problem are the most critical points to deal with in seismic slope stability. In this paper Newmark’s method has been employed for studying the stability under seismic conditions of a slope in Pomarico’s village. The physical and mechanical soil properties are accounted for as random variables in order to estimate the failure probability and the reliability index of the permanent displacements estimated. Keywords: hazard assessment, dynamic slope stability, pseudo-static method, sliding block method, inherent variability, random field, Montecarlo method.

Il comparto oleario italiano e in particolare quello pugliese è concentrato nelle aree geografiche ad elevata tradizione olivicola ed è caratterizzato da un numero elevato di frantoi, per lo più di piccola e media dimensione. In questo contesto, uno dei problemi legato all’attività olearia, particolarmente sentito dagli operatori per gli oneri che ne derivano e per l’impatto ambientale che produce, è lo smaltimento delle acque di vegetazione (A.V.). Gli ultimi due decenni appena trascorsi sono stati caratterizzati da un’intensa attività di ricerca volta ad individuare, tra l’altro, l’effetto inquinante e le modalità idonee di smaltimento di questi reflui, nel rispetto dell’ambiente.

Uno dei problemi legato all’attività olearia, particolarmente sentito dagli operatori agricoli per gli oneri che ne derivano e per l’impatto ambientale che produce, è lo smaltimento delle acque di vegetazione derivanti dalla lavorazione delle olive. Da un lato la distribuzione delle acque di vegetazione sui terreni agricoli contribuisce ad apportare elementi nutritivi al terreno stesso, dall’altro rappresenta un potenziale rischio di inquinamento della falda, di alterazione delle caratteristiche chimico-fisiche del terreno e di fitotossicità per le colture. Infatti, si è visto che l’esito positivo e/o negativo della pratica oggetto di studio dipende da diversi fattori: caratteristiche ambientali; filiera produttiva; tipo di macchine e modalità di spargimento. Scopo della presente nota è stato quello di analizzare i fattori e individuare i punti deboli che condizionano lo spargimento delle acque di vegetazione nell’area geografica a nord-ovest di Bari.

E’ stata condotta una vasta indagine sperimentale nel territorio pugliese, tesa a valutare qualitativamente l’entità dei rischi nell’ambito della filiera olivicola, che rappresenta uno dei settori agricoli più importanti, a livello economico e di immagine, in Puglia. Sono stati analizzati gli infortuni che si sono verificati in Puglia, negli ultimi anni, nella filiera olivicola, avvalendosi dei dati provenienti da diverse fonti. L’elaborazione statistica degli stessi ha messo in evidenza che, relativamente alle operazioni di pieno campo, numerosi incidenti avvengono durante le operazioni di potatura meccanica e di abbacchiatura con l’utilizzo di scale e/o di pertiche. Molti infortuni, inoltre, avvengono in quanto la preparazione professionale degli addetti talvolta non è adeguata alla meccanizzazione delle operazioni che vengono svolte; spesso queste ultime vengono, infatti, realizzate con attrezzature o macchine tecnologicamente sempre più avanzate e non sempre gli operatori ne conoscono l’esistenza e pertanto non sono idoneamente addestrati al loro utilizzo. Durante la fase di estrazione olearia, nei frantoi, i casi di infortunio più frequenti sono correlabili alla movimentazione dei carichi ed alla manutenzione ordinaria e straordinaria delle macchine. Sono state redatte “schede per la sicurezza” per ogni operazione della filiera olivicola pugliese, in cui sono individuati i relativi rischi e descritte le più importanti misure per il loro contenimento.

Si sono rilevati i livelli di rumore emessi dalle macchine più frequentemente impiegate per le operazioni di raccolta delle olive in Puglia; successivamente si sono effettati rilievi sulle emissioni sonore all’interno di frantoi, durante le lavorazioni di estrazione olearia. Sono stati considerati diversi frantoi pugliesi, fra i più rappresentativi per qualità e produttività. Si sono riscontrati differenti livelli di rumorosità tra i rilievi effettuati nelle prove di pieno campo e quelli realizzati all’interno dei frantoi durante il ciclo di estrazione dell’olio; con riferimento a questi ultimi, la rumorosità è più elevata nei frantoi a ciclo continuo rispetto a quelli a ciclo discontinuo. Sarebbe auspicabile una più vasta sperimentazione sui livelli di rumorosità e sul microclima dei frantoi, in modo da mettere a punto criteri progettuali inerenti alle strutture e ai layout di produzione che realizzino condizioni più confortevoli per gli operatori.

E’ stata condotta una vasta indagine sperimentale nel territorio pugliese, tesa a valutare qualitativamente l’entità dei rischi nell’ambito della filiera olivicola, che rappresenta uno dei settori agricoli più importanti, a livello economico e di immagine, in Puglia. Sono stati analizzati gli infortuni che si sono verificati in Puglia, negli ultimi anni, nella filiera olivicola, avvalendosi dei dati provenienti da diverse fonti. L’elaborazione statistica degli stessi ha messo in evidenza che, relativamente alle operazioni di pieno campo, numerosi incidenti avvengono durante le operazioni di potatura meccanica e di abbacchiatura con l’utilizzo di scale e/o di pertiche. Molti infortuni, inoltre, avvengono in quanto la preparazione professionale degli addetti talvolta non è adeguata alla meccanizzazione delle operazioni che vengono svolte; spesso queste ultime vengono, infatti, realizzate con attrezzature o macchine tecnologicamente sempre più avanzate e non sempre gli operatori ne conoscono l’esistenza e pertanto non sono idoneamente addestrati al loro utilizzo. Durante la fase di estrazione olearia, nei frantoi, i casi di infortunio più frequenti sono correlabili alla movimentazione dei carichi ed alla manutenzione ordinaria e straordinaria delle macchine. Sono state redatte “schede per la sicurezza” per ogni operazione della filiera olivicola pugliese, in cui sono individuati i relativi rischi e descritte le più importanti misure per il loro contenimento.

Uno dei problemi legato all’attività olearia, particolarmente sentito dagli operatori agricoli per gli oneri che ne derivano e per l’impatto ambientale che produce, è lo smaltimento delle acque di vegetazione derivanti dalla lavorazione delle olive. Infatti, se da un lato la distribuzione delle acque di vegetazione sui terreni agricoli contribuisce ad apportare elementi nutritivi al terreno stesso, dall’altro rappresenta un potenziale rischio di inquinamento della falda, di alterazione delle caratteristiche chimico-fisiche del terreno e di fitotossicità per le colture. Infatti, si è visto che l’esito positivo e/o negativo della pratica oggetto di studio dipende da diversi fattori: caratteristiche ambientali; filiera produttiva; tipo di macchine e modalità di spargimento. Scopo della presente nota è stato quello di analizzare i fattori e individuare i punti deboli che condizionano lo spargimento delle acque di vegetazione nell’area geografica a nord-ovest di Bari.

La recente normativa introduce un nuovo approccio alla sicurezza del lavoro, non più legato solo alla prevenzione degli infortuni ed alla salute dei lavoratori, ma anche al raggiungimento di situazioni di maggior conforto e benessere. Tra questi, le condizioni microclimatiche cui l'uomo risulta esposta satnno via via assumento una importanza crescente. come è noto, un microclima non appropriato, ance quando non crea effetti patologici, può interferire con il sistema di termoregolazione di un individuo, creando una situazioen di disconfort.

Gli operatori addetti alla filiera agroalimentare sono esposti al rumore durante il lavoro sia nelle operazioni di pieno campo, che in molte fasi del post-raccolta qauli, ad esempio, la lavorazione, la trasformazione ed il confezionamento dei prodotti agricoli.

Il presente lavoro si prefigge lo scopo di rammentare le principali normative vigenti sia nel nostro Paese sia in campo internazionale, nonché lo stato della ricerca nei riguardi del problema delle vibrazioni trasmesse da macchine agricole sugli operatori. Vengono indicati i principali approcci al problema essenzialmente allo scopo di delineare i possibili sviluppi soprattutto nel campo della ricerca scientifica.

La desertificazione è, per definizione, la forma di degrado del territorio relativa alle zone aride, semiaride e sub-umide secche. Tali zone sono caratterizzate dalla presenza di ecosistemi fragili dal punto di vista ecologico; per esse è quindi accentuato il peso dei fattori che possono portare al degrado: la siccità, l’erosione, gli squilibri nella gestione del territorio e delle risorse idriche. In queste aree è pertanto fondamentale che lo sviluppo socio-economico sia inscindibile dalla gestione sostenibile delle risorse naturali. L’obiettivo di questo lavoro è lo sviluppo teorico di un metodo per la realizzazione di Carte di Sensibilità alla Desertificazione su scala locale. La realizzazione di tali carte è un passo fondamentale per passare dalla presa di coscienza del fenomeno e dei suoi effetti negativi sull’ambiente e sulle attività umane, all’ingresso di tale problematica nelle sfere decisionali, diventando elemento di gestione del territorio e delle attività produttive.

Le regioni meridionali e insulari dell’Italia, ricadono in un contesto di crisi ambientale di vaste dimensioni, sostanzialmente causata dal tendenziale processo di “tropicalizzazione” che interessa tutto il bacino del Mediterraneo e che si manifesta con l’aumento di eventi climatici intensi e catastrofici e degrado qualitativo e quantitativo delle risorse (CNLD, 1998). Nei territori dove si segnala la presenza di suoli con tendenza all’erosione, in concomitanza con altre cause, si presenta sempre più grave il rischio di desertificazione intesa come degradazione qualitativa dei terreni. Nel presente lavoro si esaminano i fattori che intervengono nel degrado in atto in un’area sensibile del sub-appenino Dauno e, in particolare, nei bacini idrografici dei Torrenti Freddo e S. Angelo, affluenti del Torrente Celone nel territorio dell’abitato di Castelluccio Valmaggiore (Puglia). La finalità del lavoro è rispondente alle linee poste dalla UNCCD (1994) e cioè implementare lo studio delle strategie di lotta alla desertificazione anche mediante tecniche alternative di lavorazione meccanica tradizionale; la programmazione degli interventi tesi a contrastare o a mitigare il fenomeno, partendo dalla necessità fondamentale di individuare nelle aree maggiormente sensibili i fattori fondamentali e la loro interazione, anche in linea con quanto espresso dalla Delibera Ministeriale n. 299 del 1999.

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The slope deformation processes described in the paper, define a typical example of unstable behaviour for a tectonically active chain area in Italy, where slopes are formed of highly tectonized soils and rocks. Monitoring data compared to numerical modelling results show the existence of two interconnected mechanisms of deformation in the slope: a fast shallow mechanism (slump-earthflow) and a deeper and slower deformation process (deep-seated creep). This mechanism is fundamentally due to the poor mechanical properties of the deep soils, which are at yield and therefore undergo significant plastic deformations for even limited changes in loading.

Lo scopo fondamentale della ricerca, i cui contenuti e fasi di sviluppo sono esposti nell’ambito della presente tesi, è quello di indagare i meccanismi di deformazione attivi in un pendio costituito da terreni le cui caratteristiche, sia su larga scala sia alla scala dell’elemento di volume, sono classificabili rispettivamente come mega-strutture complesse e come meso-strutture complesse (D’Elia B. et al.; 1998), proprie di formazioni che, di norma, si definiscono “strutturalmente complesse” (Esu F.; 1977). Lo studio è stato svolto in considerazione dell’incidenza che la conoscenza ed il controllo di processi deformativi e di rottura in ammassi di terreno e roccia di questa natura hanno sulla prevenzione del rischio e sull’economia del territorio. La progettazione e l’utilizzo del territorio in zone di catena sede di dette formazioni, come quella ove è situato il pendio analizzato nel presente lavoro di ricerca, richiedono la conoscenza del comportamento costitutivo ed al finito di formazioni di terreni e/o rocce fortemente tettonizzate, caratterizzate quindi dalla presenza di superfici di taglio e discontinuità, sia di origine tettonica sia dovuti a pregressi fenomeni franosi (AGI; 1985). Il presente lavoro intende essere un contributo alla conoscenza del comportamento al finito di detti materiali, alla luce anche di una pregressa analisi del loro comportamento geotecnico in laboratorio. A tale scopo si è indagato lo stato e l’evoluzione di un pendio sito su un versante dell’Appennino Meridionale; in particolare, nelle immediate vicinanze dell’abitato di Senerchia (AV), nell’alta valle del Fiume Sele, il pendio Vadoncello.

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In this paper has been described a new procedure by which the characteristic limit state line of a geometrically known slope can be calculated. This approach is based on an intuition, applied to a detreministic evaluation of slope stability, to look for a slope charecteristic "failure curve". Subsequently, concerning probability perspective, has been considered Low's interpreting the reliability index. Linking prior studies toghether and to the Characteristic Resistance Envelope Procedure, an Overall Approach has been developed. A simple computed case in included in oreder to show computing potentilities of thi new approach.

It is well known that soils are made by a solid matrix and by voids, usually interconnected, filled by water and/or air. Starting from this intrinsic constitution, springs out a great difficulty in the schematization of the behaviour of these complex materials, particularly when voids are very small and, teherefore, the permeability values are very low. In addition to these problems, well known from the beginning of geothechincs, there are the ones derived from the highlighting of the intrinsic variability of soils. The possibility to have numerous and detailed data allowed to point out these variability in stochastic models based on the spatial knowledge of expressed average tendencies and of the variances. This knowledge allows to apply to the soils concepts of security based on collapse probability or, likewise, evaluating the reliability.

We can consider the solis as "materilas" having a great variability of their properties. In practical geotechnics is usual to use the results of various tests to get, starting from easier to obtain properties, information of greater importance in the applications. It's usual to use, for this aim, empirical relations derived from statistical elaborations. Among the relations which are most in use, are pointed out the ones that links togheter the compression index with a basic property (e.g. liquid limit, natural water content, void index, etc.). A well know empiracal relation which allows to obtain the overconsolidation ratio starting from the seharing resistance angle, the undrained cohesion and the effective vertical stress, shows a great range of variability. Are also pointed out some relations of quite good reliability which allows to evaluate the shearing resistance angle by means of the plasticity index. At last these investigations, althought based on a limited data sample takene from literature (and hence not really quantitatively exhaustive) gives quite interesting results both regarding the practical use of the already existing relations and in theoretical study. In particular the verification of these laws by means of experimental data can allow the improvement of the reliability of these relations.

Nella presente comunicazione si svolgono alcune considerazioni riguardo la valutazione e/o verifica di opere dell'Ingegneria Geotecnica, effettuate utilizzando metodologie di valutazione della sicurezza di tipo sia deterministico che probabilistico. L'analisi è stata effettuata prendendo in esame il caso di una fondazioen superficiale. particolare attenzione è stat ricolta al nuovo apporccio metodologico descritto dall' Eurocodice Geotecnico 7 che, essendo di tipo semiprobabilistico, si attesta ad un livello intermedio tra il metodo deterministico e quello probabilistico puro.