Design and Optimization of a Compact Machine for Laying and Pressing Straw Checkerboard Sand Barriers in Desert Areas

Yuan Qi, Derong Kong, Peng Zhang, Yang Zhang, Xiaobao Zheng, Yonghua Su, Xinbing Ma and Bugong Sun ()
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Yuan Qi: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Derong Kong: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Peng Zhang: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yang Zhang: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Xiaobao Zheng: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yonghua Su: Zhejiang Zhenhang Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Doctoral Innovation Station, Lishui 323000, China
Xinbing Ma: Gansu Desert Control Research Institute, Lanzhou 730070, China
Bugong Sun: Mechanical and Electronical Engineering College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-26

Abstract: Straw checkerboard sand barriers play a critical role in wind erosion control and dune stabilization. However, manual installation remains predominant, leading to low efficiency and inconsistent quality. To address this, a compact integrated machine was developed for straw checkerboard laying and pressing using rice straw. The design emphasizes the coordinated function of the straw distribution and pressing systems. Physical parameters of rice straw—average bundle length (<120 cm), repose angle (20.95°), and elastic modulus (1.65 MPa)—were measured to guide structural design. A 3D model of the machine and a multibody dynamic simulation of the distribution system were conducted to validate the mechanical configuration. Field trials were performed using straw mass per metre and average layer thickness as evaluation metrics. Single- and multi-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology yielded optimal parameters: conveyor shaft speed of 230 r/min, crankshaft speed of 227 r/min, and a third-stage tooth height of 0.03 m. Field tests in desert environments confirmed straw output of 0.2–0.4 kg/m, layer thickness of 2–3 cm, burial depth of 14.3–19.5 cm, and exposed height of 19.8–39.5 cm. Results meet quality specifications for barrier construction, demonstrating the machine’s strong applicability and potential for engineering deployment in desertification control.

Keywords: straw checkerboard sand barrier; mechanized laying; straw combing and distributing; design and optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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