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Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences - Vol. 13, No. 1
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
DOI:10.14738/tecs.131.18179.
Nanje, M. M., Gitau, A. N., & Mbuge, D. O. (2025). Multi Criteria Approach to Determine the Suitability of Application of Motorcycle
Drawn Potato Harvesters. Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences, 13(1). 99-115.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Multi Criteria Approach to Determine the Suitability of
Application of Motorcycle Drawn Potato Harvesters
Martin M. Nanje
Department of Environmental and
Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi
Ayub N. Gitau
Department of Environmental and
Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi
Duncan O. Mbuge
Department of Environmental and
Biosystems Engineering, University of Nairobi
ABSTRACT
Agricultural mechanisation is vital because it raises labour efficiency and enhances
farm production per worker. However, not all fields are suitable for mechanisation.
This study sought to determine the viability of introducing potato harvesting
equipment drawn by motorcycles in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Soil analysis was
done on samples from different parts of the county to understand the properties of
soils that affect agricultural tool interaction and to study the movement of the
digging part of the machines in the soil. With the help of various physical and
mechanical soil tests, this study spatially determined suitable areas for potato
mechanisation using Multi-Criteria Evaluation and Geographic Information System
analysis. The criteria used in this analysis were soil, climate, and topography. The
criteria were selected based on information available about potato mechanisation.
The data from the criteria was analysed in the Quantum Geographic Information
System environment. A map was generated in which the area was classified into
four suitability levels for the operation of a potato harvester: Highly Suitable (S1),
Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N) based on
Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The Analytic Hierarchy Process
decision-making tool was used to determine each criterion's deduced weights and
associated influence. The weights were used as inputs in the weighted overlay
analysis and final maps generated. This research aids in informed decision-making
for agricultural mechanization in Nyandarua County, helping farmers and
policymakers identify the most suitable regions for adopting this technology. By
enhancing labour efficiency and farm productivity, the findings contribute to the
overall improvement of the agricultural sector in the region, emphasizing the
importance of considering multiple criteria when assessing the feasibility of
introducing new farming equipment.
Keywords: Agricultural mechanization, Tool interaction, Physical-mechanical soil tests,
post-harvest losses.
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Nanje, M. M., Gitau, A. N., & Mbuge, D. O. (2025). Multi Criteria Approach to Determine the Suitability of Application of Motorcycle Drawn Potato
Harvesters. Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences, 13(1). 99-115.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/tecs.131.18179
valuable information for stakeholders to make informed decisions and optimise their potato
production.
The motorcycle potato harvester used in the project is a versatile tool designed to harvest
potatoes efficiently and effectively. It includes a sturdy frame, mounting provisions, a digging
and lifting mechanism, a collection and separation system, cleaning and sorting components, a
power and control system, mobility and manoeuvrability, dimensions and capacity, and
maintenance and accessibility. The specifications, dimensions, and performance parameters of
a motorcycle potato harvester depend on the desired scale of operation, soil conditions,
available power source, and budget. Detailed engineering design, prototyping, and testing have
been affected to develop a fully functional and efficient machine.
Other factors, such as soil structure, organic matter content, fertility, and compaction, also
influence the suitability and success of potato mechanisation (Hrushetskiy & Yaropud, 2020a).
Wang et al. (2022) encourages that local conditions and agronomic practices should be
considered when deciding land preparation, machinery selection, and soil management
techniques for efficient and effective potato cultivation and mechanised harvesting.
Motorcycles were selected as the prime movers due to their availability in large numbers in the
country, affordability and ease of operation. There are many trained motorcycle riders in the
country. This paper focuses on the soil properties pertinent to soil–tool interaction for potato
harvester design and fabrication purposes. The data was collected spatially across the county
and merged with other critical physical factors in GIS to make suitability maps.
This study investigated and evaluated the effect of soil and topography on the potential of a
motorcycle potato harvester as an effective and efficient tool for potato harvesting.
Soil Classification
This is important because harvesting machines interact with the soil during operation. The
working body of the digging machine develops the soil and removes it from the bottom. Thus,
the properties of soils are of significant interest when considering questions of their
development and agricultural tool interaction, as well as studying the movement of the digging
part of the machines on the surface of the soil. Soils consisting of solid and gaseous phases are
rare in natural conditions (Hrushetskiy & Yaropud, 2020b).
The properties of each phase, the quantitative relationships, and the interaction between them
determine the soil's specific physical and chemical nature and its agricultural production
properties. Hrushetskyi et al. (2019) comments that to assess the phase composition of soils,
characteristics are used that express quantitative relations between the volumes of solid
mineral particles, water and gas. The strength characteristics of soils largely depend on the
composition of the soil, i.e., from the relative content of particles of various sizes in it, as well as
from its density and humidity.
Nyandarua County has four soil texture classes summarized: