Investigating Cumin Uprooting Dynamics: The Roles of Taproot Properties and Soil Resistance

Cumin (<i>Cuminum cyminum</i> L. cv.′Xin Ziran 1′), classified within an agricultural crop, necessitates uprooting as a critical harvesting process. In this paper, we tried to study the force dynamics behind direct cumin uprooting by developing mechanical models for field uprooting and t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sheng Tai, Zhong Tang, Bin Li, Shiguo Wang, Xiaohu Guo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Agriculture
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/9/940
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Summary:Cumin (<i>Cuminum cyminum</i> L. cv.′Xin Ziran 1′), classified within an agricultural crop, necessitates uprooting as a critical harvesting process. In this paper, we tried to study the force dynamics behind direct cumin uprooting by developing mechanical models for field uprooting and taproot–soil friction. A mechanical model for cumin uprooting and a friction model between the cumin taproot and sandy loam soil were built. The coefficient of static friction was determined using laboratory experiments. Pull-out, tensile force, and field uprooting experiments were conducted to validate the model. The physical and mechanical properties of the taproot were also measured. DEM simulation was employed for pull-out analysis. The static coefficient of friction between the cumin taproot and sandy loam soil was found to be approximately 0.766. The mechanical model showed high precision (0.4% and 5% error rates). Measured taproot properties included 80.91% moisture content, 0.40 Poisson’s ratio, 15.95 MPa elastic modulus, 5.70 MPa shear modulus, and 3.49 MPa bending strength. A DEM simulation revealed agreement with experimental observations for maximum frictional resistance at pull-out. The minimum resistance was noted at the extraction angle of 60°. The developed mechanical model for cumin uprooting was satisfactory in accuracy. Overcoming initial soil resistance is the primary factor affecting pull-out force magnitude. The optimized extraction angle had the potential to decrease uprooting resistance, improving harvesting efficiency.
ISSN:2077-0472