Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Razali Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia Author-Name: Rahmawaty Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia Author-Name: Chairani Hanum Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia Author-Name: Zulkifli Nasution Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia Title: Modelling for a land suitability analysis of rice terraces on the upland area using the geographic information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchical process (AHP) Abstract: Rice fields are the main source of rice production. Rice field expansion is one way to increase rice production. Rice field expansion activities for the upland area in Indonesia are often overlooked due to limited information about the availability of suitable land. In upland areas, rice terraces are often found. Until now, there has been no guideline for determining the suitable location of rice terraces on upland areas. The purpose of this study was to develop a land suitability assessment model for rice terraces using geographic information system (GIS) and the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) on upland areas like the Lake Toba catchment area. There were four important factors for selecting rice terracing plantations: spatial planning, slope, texture, and distance from the river (hydrology). By using the AHP method, a rating has been assigned to each theme layer. To create the suitability map for rice terraces in a GIS setting, all the thematic layers were combined into a single layer using the weighted overlay approach. The results showed that 37.78% were highly suitable, 18.88% were moderately suitable, and 36.95% were marginally suitable for rice terraces. The model can be used to determine the location of rice terraces on upland areas with a high accuracy of about 93%. Keywords: rice field expansion, upland region, physical characteristics, Lake Toba catchment area Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 121-129 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/101/2024-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/101/2024-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:101-2024-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Indriati Cahyadewi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia Author-Name: Waqif Agusta Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Agroindustri, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Author-Name: Rumpoko Wicaksono Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia Author-Name: Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Agroindustri, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Author-Name: Lusiana Kresnawati Hartono Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Agroindustri, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Author-Name: Herdiarti Destika Hermansyah Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Agroindustri, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia Author-Workplace-Name: Study Program of Postharvest Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia Author-Name: Farah Nuranjani Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Padjadjaran University, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia Title: Balancing quality and safety: Optimising drying and sodium metabisulphite use in low-fat desiccated coconut Abstract: Indonesia, as a leading coconut producer, generates a substantial amount of coconut pulp from coconut milk extraction, which can be further processed into low-fat desiccated coconut. However, the drying process induces browning, reducing its whiteness and overall quality. Sodium metabisulphite is commonly used to prevent browning, but excessive use raises health concerns. In this study, the optimisation of the drying temperature and sodium metabisulphite concentration was conducted to minimise the browning while maintaining the quality of low-fat desiccated coconut. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), responses such as the browning index (BI), whiteness index (WI), moisture content, yield, free fatty acids (FFAs), ash, fat, protein, total phenolic content (TPC), and crude fibre were examined. The results showed that both the drying temperature and sodium metabisulphite concentration significantly influenced the physicochemical properties. The optimal conditions were identified at 62.505 °C and 380.059 ppm sodium metabisulphite, resulting in a whiteness index of 87.219, browning index of 5.1025, yield of 43.125%, moisture content of 2.3%, and free fatty acid content of 4.45%. These findings highlight an effective strategy for reducing the additive dependency while maintaining the physicochemical quality of low-fat desiccated coconut. Keywords: browning, desiccated coconut, drying, response surface methodology, sodium metabisulphite Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 130-142 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/3/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/3/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:3-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Khojiakbar Khasanov Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Hydrotechnical Structures and Engineering Constructions, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Author-Name: Masharif Bakiev Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Hydrotechnical Structures and Engineering Constructions, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Author-Name: Oqil Rasulov Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Life Safety and Ecology, Tajik Technical University named after Academician M.S. Osimi, Dushanbe, Tajikistan Author-Name: Nodira Babajanova Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Hydrotechnical Structures and Engineering Constructions, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Author-Name: Ilhom Abdurahmanov Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Title: Addressing water scarcity in agriculture through small reservoir construction in Kashkadarya Province Abstract: This study explores the construction of small reservoirs (SRs) as a strategic solution to address water scarcity in Kashkadarya Province, Uzbekistan, where agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on irrigation. By utilising geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies, optimal locations for reservoirs were identified, focusing on improving the water availability for irrigation during critical periods. The research highlights the socio-economic and environmental benefits of SRs, including enhanced agricultural yields, increased employment opportunities, and reduced reliance on energy-intensive pumping stations. The findings indicate that the construction of an 18 Mm3 reservoir in the Ayakchisoy River could supply water to 26.5 thousand hectares, thereby improving the region's resilience to climate variability. This approach offers a sustainable framework for managing water resources in arid regions, contributing to food security and economic stability. Keywords: drought mitigation, rural livelihoods, water resource management, food security, socio-economic impact, irrigation, geographic information systems, agricultural productivity, climate resilience Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 143-154 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/20/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/20/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:20-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Asri Widyasanti Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia Author-Name: Sintia Nabila Putri Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia Author-Name: Rahmat Budiarto Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia Author-Name: Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim Shah Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Title: Optimisation of the temperature and drying time of kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC.) using Response Surface Methodology Abstract: This study optimised the drying process of kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC.) to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality by reducing the moisture content. A Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) framework was employed, with the temperature (55 °C, 60 °C, 65 °C) and drying time (5, 5.5, 6 h) as the variables. Experiments were conducted with a mechanical food dehydrator, and the parameters evaluated included the water content and drying yields. The optimal condition was identified as 60 °C for 5 h, resulting in a drying yield of 33.3% and a final moisture content of 7.153 (% w.b.), which meets the quality standards for dried products. The novelty of this research lies in the application of RSM to determine effective drying conditions for kaffir lime leaves, which are not widely used, but have good economic potential. The research proved that drying with the right conditions can greatly improve the quality and stability of dried kaffir lime leaves. Keywords: drying optimisation, herbal product processing, kaffir lime leaves, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 155-162 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/94/2024-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/94/2024-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:94-2024-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nursigit Bintoro Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Bambang Purwantana Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Bayu Nugraha Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Surya Abdul Muttalib Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Slamet Sulistiadi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Vivien Fathuroya Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Title: Rheological properties of banana fruit in the creep test: Effect of variety and ripeness level Abstract: Banana quality is influenced by many factors, including variety and level of fruit ripeness. This quality can be evaluated from various points of view, one of which is the rheological consideration. Rheological properties are very important to study because they determine the design of equipment and processes, and minimise product damage. The aim of this research was to analyse and model the effect of variety and ripeness level on the rheological properties of banana fruit by applying a creep test. This research was carried out using a factorial experimental design 3 × 3 with 5 replications. Three varieties of banana, namely Ambon (Musa parasidiaca var. sapientum L. Kunt.), Raja (Musa parasidiaca L.), and Kepok (Musa acuminata balbisiana Colla) and each in three levels of ripeness, namely mature green, half ripe, and ripe. It was found that the parameters of the rheological properties of bananas changed according to the ripeness level (P < 0.05). The values of these rheological parameters decreased as the bananas ripened. Meanwhile, the variety and the interaction between variety and ripeness had no significant influence on the rheological parameters measured (P > 0.05). The constants of the four-element Burger model changed with the ripeness in all banana varieties. The Burger model with four elements could accurately predict the strain value of bananas tested in the creep test. Keywords: Burger model, modulus elasticity, retardation time, strain, viscosity Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 163-173 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/12/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/12/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:12-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yuwana Yuwana Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Name: Syafnil Syafnil Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Title: Free electricity tandem-twin-hybrid solar-biomass dryer increased the performance of coffee cherry drying Abstract: A free electricity tandem-twin-hybrid-solar-biomass dryer comprised of two drying rooms and operated with solar and biomass energy combustion of 10 kg rubber wood per hour separately to dry Robusta coffee cherries with 3, 6, 9, and 12 cm bed thicknesses were studied with the drying completion time (tc), number of defects (ND), and colour parameters, i.e., lightness (L*), hue angle [H(o)], and chroma (C), used as the performance indicators. The experimental results indicated that the drying room, bed thickness, and drying room-bed thickness interaction significantly affected the tc and ND and bed thickness only significantly affected C for both the solar energy drying and the biomass energy drying. The solar energy drying generated a drying air temperature of 44.6 ± 3.5 °C with a tc of 70.9-90.2 h for the front drying room and 40.1 ± 2.8 °C with a tc of 77.2-116.5 h for the rear drying room, whereas the biomass energy drying produced a drying air temperature of 57.2 ± 3.6 °C with a tc of 34.1-44.9 h for the front drying room and 45.6 ± 6.0 °C with a tc of 56.3-96.6 h for the rear drying room. Both drying processes produced coffee beans with the NDs less than 11 qualified for Grade 1 with similar colour characteristics. Keywords: biomass energy drying, coffee bean colour, drying completion time, number of defects, solar energy drying Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 174-187 Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/98/2024-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/98/2024-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202503-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:71:y:2025:i:3:id:98-2024-RAE