Mechanized substrate conditioning: Impact on physicochemical properties, seedling viability, and nursery productivity
Abstract
Substrate preparation in nurseries in the Andean region is a fundamental operation that directly impacts seedling viability and overall productivity. However, traditional manual methods represent a production bottleneck, create inconsistencies in the quality of the final product, and expose operators to significant ergonomic risks. This article presents the design, validation, and impact evaluation of a semi-automated mechatronic system that integrates the processes of sifting and mixing for soil preparation. The design methodology included conceptualization based on user needs, followed by numerical validation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) to optimize structural integrity and particle dynamics. The implemented prototype was experimentally evaluated at the Tunducama Nursery (Cotopaxi, Ecuador). The results demonstrate a substantial improvement in substrate quality, reflected in a 31.63% increase in the seedling survival rate.Additionally, a 5.00% increase in daily production capacity was recorded, while the required workforce was reduced from six to two operators. It is concluded that the mechanized integration of these processes offers a viable and high-impact technological solution that optimizes resources, standardizes agronomic product quality, and mitigates the physical burden on workers.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Félix Javier Manjarrés Arias, Ernesto Ramiro Santillán Mariño, Jorge Eduardo Meythaler Naranjo, Hernán Vinicio Morales Villegas, Harold Saúl Díaz Báez
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