An economic assessment of autonomous equipment for field crops
Al-Amin, A.K.M.A. (2024) An economic assessment of autonomous equipment for field crops. Doctoral thesis, Harper Adams University.
|
Text
A. K. M. Abdullah Al-Amin.pdf Download (3MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Research suggests autonomous machines in open field arable farming can enhance biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services restoration. It is hypothesized that autonomous equipment could be a profitable alternative to conventional machines with human operators irrespective of field size and shape or cropping systems. However, lack of agronomic, economic and technical data has constrained economic assessment. Noting this, this study evaluated the economics of field size and shape, and mixed cropping with autonomous machines using the Hands Free Hectare and Hands Free Farm (HFH&HFF) demonstration experience of Harper Adams University, UK. Using the Hands Free Hectare Linear Programming (HFH-LP) optimization model results indicated that autonomous machines in British farming decreased wheat production cost by €15/ton to €29/ton for small rectangular fields and €24/ton to €46/ton for small non-rectangular fields. Sensitivity scenarios of increasing wage rates and labour scarcity shows that autonomous farms adapted easily and profitably to changing scenarios, whilst conventional mechanized farms struggled. The ex-ante economic analysis of corn-soybean strip cropping in the North American Corn Belt of Indiana found that per annum return to operator labour, management and risk-taking (ROLMRT) was $568.19/ha and $162.58/ha higher for autonomous strip cropping as compared to whole field sole cropping and conventional strip cropping. Conventional strip cropping was only feasible with a substantial amount of labour availability. The ex-ante economic analyses of wheat - barley - flower mix - spring bean regenerative strip cropping practices show that for Great Britain autonomous regenerative strip cropping ROLMRT was £57,760 and £25,596 higher compared to whole field sole cropping and conventional regenerative strip cropping practices. The profitability of autonomous machines in small fields irrespective of field size and shape, strip cropping systems and regenerative practices imply that autonomous machines could offer a win-win farming solution that help achieve the production and environmental goals of arable farming.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Agriculture and Environment (from 1.08.20) |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Rachael Giles |
| Date Deposited: | 21 May 2024 08:37 |
| Last Modified: | 21 May 2024 08:37 |
| URI: | https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18083 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |