Many different forms of research exist in the modern world of science, technology and engineering. Different fields have unique processes for conducting research that relate specifically to that field and suit their needs. Agricultural engineering is no different! Analyzing a number of published articles of research in agricultural engineering, I was able to determine three distinct ways that research is conducted within the field. This includes the method that most learned back in elementary school - the scientific method, along with real world analysis and engineering design processes. Real world analysis should be slightly familiar to us, as everyone does a simplified version of it in their everyday lives. However, engineering design processes may not be familiar to many of us. Here is how research is conducted in each of these ways in agricultural engineering.
Experimental Studies
Experimental studies in agricultural engineering generally relate to the scientific method. There is typically a dependent and independent variable present in a designed experiment. Using the scientific method, engineers are able to draw conclusions based on the preceding steps. For those unaware, the scientific method is a multiple step process, that typically follows steps similar to those such as these:
- Identify the problem/question
- Perform research on the subject
- Construct a hypothesis
- Test hypothesis by experimentation
- Communicate results and draw a conclusion
(Source: "Steps of the Scientific Method." Steps of the Scientific Method. Science Buddies, 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.)
The example I located of experimental research in agricultural engineering was from a study done on the impact of evaporative cooling preservation on the shelf life of fruits and vegetables in Southwestern Nigeria. Like most experimental studies, this was performed in a laboratory setting. Different fruits and vegetables were placed in a controlled environment while other fruits and vegetables of the same type were left out in simulated conditions of Southwestern Nigerian climate. Using the control and experimental species, along with following the scientific method, these agricultural engineers were able to complete their research and create solutions to a historical problem. (Ndukwu)
Real World Analysis
On a day to day basis, most of us use real world analysis simply by observing and drawing conclusions. This is much like one of the ways that agricultural engineers conduct research, only in much greater detail. Real world analysis involves observation of events that have occurred, are occurring or are planned to occur. In many instances, a specific sampling of what is being measured is selected and statistics are used to draw a specific conclusion. An example of this is researching the change in agricultural transportation in relation with it's effect on the environment in Sweden. This study happened in 1999 when an specific area in Sweden was undergoing recent negative environmental influences. To study the cause, agricultural engineers used GPS systems to monitor trucks and transportation vehicles used in agricultural transport throughout the area. They used this data to draw a conclusion on the transportation changes and its effect on the environment and attempted to condense travel and improve the environment. (Gebresenbet) This is a great example where real world analysis is at work, using observations of current agricultural events to create solutions to a problem.
(Source: http://www.northernlanduse.com/wp-content/uploads/Trunk_Road_WellHouseMap.jpg)
Engineering Design Process
Unless you are an engineer, you probably have never heard of the engineering design process. This is one of the most common methods of research used among agricultural engineers and engineers of all disciplines. Also referred to as the engineering algorithm, this process is an extremely thorough solution and testing process. This typically consists of a number of steps such as these:
- Define the problem
- Perform background research
- Specify design and solution requirements
- Brainstorm possible solutions
- Choose the best solution
- Perform development work
- Build a prototype
- Test and redesign
(Source: "The Engineering Design Process." Steps of the Scientific Method. Science Buddies, 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.)
An example I found where the engineering design process was used is research completed for reducing pollution of ammonia and odor from spreading animal slurry. A new method to fertilize crops without releasing ammonia and odor to the environment was needed due to government regulation. This provided a problem for agricultural engineers to come up with a solution for. These engineers went through each step of the process, performing background research and coming up with the best solution of injecting the plants with slurry instead of spreading it. This new design was implemented and tested with successful findings. The new process is now in the testing and redesign phase as agricultural engineers work to further improve the design. (Pahl) Using the engineering design process, agricultural engineers were able to work toward a solution to an identified problem, implement that solution, and improve it for everyday use.
Sources:
Ndukwu, M. C., and S. I. Manuwa. "Impact of Evaporative Cooling Preservation on the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetable in South Western Nigeria." Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Gebresenbet, G., and D. Ljungberg. "IT—Information Technology and the Human Interface: Coordination and Route Optimization of Agricultural Goods Transport to Attenuate Environmental Impact." IT-Information Technology and the Human Interface: Coordination and Route Optimization of Agricultural Goods Transport to Attenuate Environmental Impact. Elsevier Ltd., 3 May 2002. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Pahl, O., R. J. Godwin, M. J. Hann, and T. W. Waine. "SW—Soil and Water: Cost-Effective Pollution Control by Shallow Injection of Pig Slurry into Growing Crops." SW-Soil and Water: Cost-Effective Pollution Control by Shallow Injection of Pig Slurry into Growing Crops. Elsevier Ltd., 3 May 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.
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