Agricultural Engineering
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Modelling of micro-environment inside evaporatively and coolbot cooled stores using computational fluid dynamics models and changes in quality of stored tomatoes.
(2018)Abstract available in PDF file. -
Characterisation of the electrochemical properties of maize grain contaminated with Aflatoxin.
(2016)Aflatoxin contamination of maize is a serious problem in Sub-Saharan Africa since it causes several negative health implications and in some cases death. A number of methods have been developed to detect the presence of ... -
Development and optimization of an integrated post-harvest management system for the handling and storage of fresh tomatoes in South African chains.
(2017)Abstract available in PDF file. -
Evaluation of the effects of pre-drying treatments and drying methods on the drying kinetics and quality of Tommy Atkin mango slices.
(2017)Abstract available in PDF file. -
Effect of maturity and postharvest handling of prunus persica ‘landrace’ produced in KwaZulu-Natal: case study of physicochemical properties, tunnel solar drying and quality of processed products.
(2017)Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal produce peach fruit. However, they are faced with overwhelming losses of the fruit due to lack of proper handling techniques, skills and facility during postharvest. In addition, these farmers have ... -
Improving rainfall erosivity estimates for the design of soil conservation structures in South Africa.
(2018)Soil erosion is a major problem, both in South Africa and globally. Soil erosion reduces the productivity of land and has major environmental, as well as economic, impacts. South Africa, in particular, experiences considerable ... -
Technological viability of coffee husk ash, soil rich in koalinite-ferrinatrite and koalinite-geothite for the adsorptive removal of chromium (VI) from industrial wastewater.
(2017)Most industries in developing countries discharge a high amount of untreated wastewater, containing toxic chemicals, into nearby water bodies. Heavy metals and chemicals above permissible levels can be emitted to the ... -
Meeting the extension needs of smallholder farmers : the climate information gap in the public agricultural extension and advisory services in Limpopo, South Africa.
(2016)This study examined the gap in climate information within public Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Limpopo. Specifically, it assessed extension officers’ climate change perceptions, climate change knowledge, ... -
The effect of bioslurry, grass clippings and pumpkin live mulch on soil water content and maize production.
(2016)Abstract available in PDF file. -
Non-point source pollution processes and connectivity modelling in the Mkabela Catchment, South Africa.
(2015)In South Africa water resources and water quality issues are becoming increasingly important as the country manages its scarce water resources. The National Water Act of South Africa Act 36 (1998) stipulates that water ... -
An assessment of the feasibility of quality indicators for the postharvest deterioration of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
(2014)Sugarcane deterioration remains one of the most important supply chain efficiency leverage points in the South African sugar industry. Cane quality has been identified as an issue that has the potential to improve the ... -
Infrared drying of biltong : effect of pre-treatment and drying conditions on the drying characteristics and product quality.
(2014)In this study, the drying kinetics of biltong was investigated under infrared and convective drying systems, with two product pre-treatment conditions namely, slice thickness and marinating duration. The effect of these ... -
A comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of harvesting and other sugarcane supply chain disruptions within the Eston Mill supply area.
(2014)The Eston Mill, which was established in 1994, is the newest in the KwaZulu-Natal sugar belt. Like for most other mills, it can be argued that there are inefficiencies in the supply chain due to systemic issues, which ... -
Modelling sugarcane quality in the context of mill scale supply chain logistics.
(2014)The length of milling season (LOMS) refers to the length and timing of sugarcane crushing operations at a sugar mill. LOMS is central to the competitiveness and profitability of any sugar mill supply area (MSA). Conflicting ... -
Assessment of the performance of small-scale water infrastructure (SWI) for multiple uses in Nebo Plateau, Sekhukhune District, South Africa.
(2015-10-12)South Africa is ranked the 30th driest country in the world and water is regarded as a scarce resource in the country. Limited availability of good quality water has resulted in urban areas receiving more water at the ... -
Evaluation of systems to harvest, process and transport sugarcane biomass.
(2015)One of the problems facing the world today is the fact that fossil fuel reserves are declining and, as a result, petrol and diesel costs are increasing. For the past century, fossil fuels have been the primary fuel source ... -
Comparative analysis of two greenhouse microclimates in the sub-humid climate of South Africa.
(2014)Development of small-scale greenhouse facilities that are suitable for the southern African agro-climatic conditions is one of the options that can be adopted to help alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in Southern ... -
The development and evaluation of a performance-based standards approach for regulating the use of heavy vehicles in South Africa.
(2015-07-22)The regulation of the use of vehicles on the road network is aimed at ensuring acceptable safety and recovery of road maintenance costs, as well as minimising congestion, road wear, excessive noise and air pollution. The ... -
The preparation and novel application of diphosphorus xanthene family ligands in homogeneous catalysis.
(2015)Abstract available in print version. -
The development and assessment of a direct energy calculator for use in sugarcane production.
(2014-10-31)The rising cost of energy coupled with an increasing awareness of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions has led to a concerted effort to reduce fossil fuel Energy Use (EU) in all sectors. Sugarcane production in South Africa is ...