New articles of HUNGARIAN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
List of accepted articles to Issue No. 44/2025
1. BIOGAS UTILIZATION IN THE BUILDING SECTOR: APPLICABILITY AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Author(s):
D. Mignogna, M. Szabó, P. Ceci, P. Avino
Abstract: Global climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time for the European Union and its member states. Several attempts are underway to control and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Demand for electricity has increased in recent years, leading to an increased need for more diversified sources of energy supply. In this context, the construction sector has a significant impact on energy consumption and environmental concerns. In fact, buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions because of their energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting and other operational needs. Biogas produced from industrial, municipal, organic and agro-industrial waste is an alternative renewable energy source that can be used for bioenergy generation. Efficient management of such waste promotes the use of biogas by reducing the environmental problems associated with it. The problem can be examined both from an energy perspective, considering the use of renewable fuels, and from an environmental perspective, such as a decrease in emissions of a greenhouse gas. Biogas can be used for the cogeneration of electricity and heat in combined heat and power stations, potentially reducing the fuel consumption, compared to the conventional heat and power generation in separate plants. It is an innovative solution for obtaining electricity and heat simultaneously through a highly efficient process. By using cogeneration plants, energy efficiency can be maximised, as electricity and useful heat are produced simultaneously. Cogeneration systems play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing costs and reducing environmental pollution while increasing system reliability and energy quality, reducing network overload and avoiding distribution losses. Net-zero energy buildings are one of the promising decarbonization attempts due to their potential of decreasing the use of energy and increasing the total share of renewable energy. This study provides valuable tips and practical advice to encourage sustainability in buildings and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon built environment.
Keywords: Energy transition, Renewable energy, Biogas, Heating buildings, Net-zero energy buildings
Author(s):
G. Élő, T. Szabó, L. Kátai
Abstract: The digitization of the agricultural sector has accelerated the demand for secure and efficient identity management. This study presents an enhanced remote identification and authentication (KYC/SCA) system developed by ID&Trust Ltd., and explores its integration into agricultural workforce management. Through biometric verification, OCR, NFC-based data extraction, and real-time video identification, the system enables instant identity validation and compliance with EU data protection laws. New pilot results show a 70% reduction in administrative workload and enhanced traceability across seasonal labor processes. The paper contributes to the discussion on digital transformation in agriculture by demonstrating practical use cases, technical frameworks, and sustainability implications. In the broader context of European agricultural modernisation, such identity solutions support harmonised regulatory compliance across borders. The technology also enhances organisational resilience by reducing dependency on manual administrative procedures, thereby minimising human error and improving overall labour coordination. Moreover, as agriculture continues to digitize, remote identity verification becomes a central pillar for ensuring secure data exchange among stakeholders. The scalability of such systems allows broader adoption across EU member states, supporting unified digital standards and fostering long-term sustainability. Additionally, the findings underscore the scalability of such solutions across varying farm sizes. The technology also supports smoother integration with public administrative systems, further reducing bottlenecks.
Keywords: remote identification (KYC), digital identity verification, biometric verification, workforce management, smart agriculture
3. QUASI-STATIC BREAKAGE OF CORN PARTICLES
Author(s):
I. Keppler, J. Huang
Abstract: This study investigates the quasi-static fracture behavior of individual corn kernels under uniaxial compression. Experiments were conducted using an Instron 5965 universal testing machine at a loading rate of 1 mm min⁻¹ on four geometrically different kernel types: elongated, flat, square, and round. The recorded force–displacement curves revealed a four-stage fracture process involving elastic deformation, micro-damage initiation, progressive crack propagation, and final crushing. The results show that kernel geometry has a significant effect on compressive strength and fracture energy, with elongated kernels exhibiting the highest mean load (≈ 580 N) and round kernels showing the most stable response. The absorbed fracture energy ranged between 0.17 and 0.22 mJ per kernel. These findings provide a quantitative foundation for calibrating discrete element method (DEM) simulations of kernel breakage under storage and handling conditions, contributing to more accurate prediction of mechanical damage in bulk grain systems.
Keywords: agricultural materials, corn kernel, quasi-static compression, fracture, mechanical damage
4. AUTOMATION IN COMBINE HARVESTING – A FIELD PERFORMANCE STUDY
Author(s):
R. Tóth, P. Korzenszky, Zs. Horváth
Abstract: This study presents the results of four comparative field tests evaluating the performance of combine harvester operation under manual and automatic control modes. The tests -planed and performed in real harvesting conditions during the 2024 season- assessed key performance parameters such as throughput, field capacity, travel speed, and fuel consumption across multiple test configurations and crop types. The automatic control system consistently outperformed manual operation, with improvements ranging from 5% to 18% in core efficiency indicators. While total fuel consumption was slightly higher under automation, specific fuel efficiency (litres per ton of grain harvested) showed parity or improvement. The findings confirm the operational and energetic benefits of automated optimization in modern harvesting and highlight its potential to mitigate operator variability, improve productivity, and support sustainable large-scale agricultural practices.
Keywords: combine harvester automation; precision agriculture; adaptive control; telematics; field performance evaluation
Author(s):
T. Szabó, L. Kátai
Abstract: This study presents the design and implementation of an integrated digital identification system combining facial recognition, optical character recognition (OCR), liveness detection, and cryptographic security mechanisms. Originally developed for the financial industry, this system by ID&Trust Ltd. demonstrates strong potential for agricultural applications, including secure operator authentication, traceable workforce management, and data integrity in smart farming ecosystems. Pilot experiments and architectural analysis reveal high accuracy and interoperability under real-world agricultural conditions. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how biometric and cryptographic convergence supports digital transformation in agriculture.
Keywords: facial recognition, OCR, cryptographic technologies, digital identification, smart agriculture
Author(s):
L. Magó
Abstract: The results of the CLIMMAR 2024 DSI survey reflect the improvement of manufacturer-dealer relations and the strengthening of cooperation, as the tractor dealer satisfaction index (DSI) reached its highest value ever. The recent moderate market demand for power machinery in Europe, stagnating sales and increasing competition in the market have forced tractor manufacturers to increase their support to their sales channels in the commercial, marketing and technical fields, and to improve their service levels, which is welcomed and positively assessed by dealers. The average value of the dealer satisfaction index for the leading tractor brands, which has remained stable in recent years, started to rise in 2024. The last time we saw such an intense positive shift was in 2019, under more balanced machine market conditions. The ranking of the tractor brands by index value showed some slight and some major movements. There was a change in the top ranking and a significant shift in the middle ranking.
Keywords: Dealer Satisfaction Index, agricultural machinery distributors, agricultural machinery manufacturers, cooperation, CLIMMAR
Author(s):
M. Köves, Á. Szegedi, Zs. Kotroczó, M. Ringer, V. Madár, K. Utassy, T. Kocsis
Abstract: Biochar-based carriers have emerged as a potential tool to support microbial inoculants in sustainable agriculture, but their effectiveness depends on the viability and persistence of the inoculated microorganisms. In this study, the viability and persistence of three beneficial microorganisms (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Streptomyces griseus, and Trichoderma harzianum) were evaluated on five biochar feedstocks: sunflower husk, wood chips, green waste, pelletized green waste, and a wood–zeolite composite (75:25 ratio). Each biochar was characterized for Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore volume to assess physicochemical properties relevant to microbial habitation. Under sterile conditions, each biochar was inoculated with a single microbial strain and incubated under controlled conditions for ten weeks. Microbial viability was quantified weekly using Most Probable Number (MPN) counts to monitor population dynamics, and a follow-up assay was conducted two months after the initial incubation to evaluate longer-term persistence. The results showed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens remained viable throughout the ten weeks, and at the follow-up, Trichoderma harzianum similarly persisted across the experimental timeframe, especially on specific biochar types. In contrast, Streptomyces griseus declined rapidly and became undetectable by week seven under the tested conditions. The wood–zeolite composite biochar consistently supported higher survival of the tested microorganisms. In contrast, pelletized green waste exhibited the lowest microbial survival across all strains, despite not having the lowest BET surface area and pore volume. These observations indicate that measuring the biochar surface area alone is insufficient to determine the suitability of carriers for microbial inoculants. Instead, selecting biochar based on a combination of physicochemical properties can improve the design of biochar-based microbial carriers. Overall, these findings support targeted biochar selection to enhance the viability and persistence of beneficial microbes in sustainable agricultural applications.
Keywords: biochar; surface; microbes; viability; MPN
8. BIOMETHANE, A NEW DIRECTION FOR BIOGAS UTILIZATION
Author(s):
Z. Bártfai, B. Balogh, J. Szabó, P. Zsámboki, H. Domanovszky
Abstract: After decades of delay, Hungary has announced a subsidy scheme aimed at utilizing the available biomass potential for advanced biomethane production. Due to environmental sustainability guidelines such as carbon neutrality, transport, like many other industries, faces serious challenges, some of which are energy-related. Biogas plants and the emitters that supply them with raw materials, such as agricultural and food industry by-products and municipal waste, can make a significant contribution to the transition to carbon-free transport. In this article, we aim to highlight that instead of traditional energy solutions, the use of biomass for transportation purposes is not only a viable option, but may even be the most profitable technology for investors.
Keywords: carbon-neutral technologies, biomethane-based gas plant, alternative bio LNG+CCS liquefaction, Island-operated renewable energy system
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