Optimization and Experimental Study of a Soil Loosening and Root Lifting Device for Shanghai Green ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ) Harvesting Based on an EDEM-RecurDyn Simulation

Qingqing Dai, Zhiyu Zuo (), Qinghui Zheng, Yongqiang Fu, Shenghe Zhang and Hanping Mao
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Qingqing Dai: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Zhiyu Zuo: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Qinghui Zheng: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Yongqiang Fu: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Shenghe Zhang: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Hanping Mao: College of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: To mitigate the high stubble rates (root residue rates) and plant damage associated with the current mechanized harvesting of Shanghai Green ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ), this study developed and optimized a novel soil loosening and root lifting device. A theoretical dynamic model was first established to analyze the device’s operational principles. Subsequently, a coupled multi-body dynamics and discrete element method (RecurDyn-EDEM) model was established to simulate the complex interactions between the device, soil, and plant roots. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize key operational parameters: walking speed, loosening depth, and vibration frequency. The simulation-based optimization was validated by field tests. The optimal parameters were identified as a walking speed of 0.137 m/s, a loosening depth of 34.5 mm, and a vibration frequency of 1.34 Hz, under which the Shanghai Green pulling force was 35.41 N, yielding optimal extraction performance. Field tests conducted under these optimal conditions demonstrated excellent performance, achieving a qualified plant posture rate of 87.5% and a low damage rate of 7.5%. This research provides a robust design and validated operational parameters, offering significant technical support for the development of low-loss harvesting equipment for leafy vegetables.

Keywords: Shanghai Green; leafy vegetable harvesting; soil loosening device; coupled EDEM-RecurDyn simulation; parameter optimization; field experiment (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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