Nile Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Development and Validation of Predictive Model for Tractor Fuel Consumption in the Gezira Scheme, Sudan

Ahmed O. Elattaya, Lotfie A. Yousif, Abdelkarim D. Elfadil — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate estimation of tractor fuel consumption is essential for effective machinery management, cost control, energy efficiency assessment and environmental impact evaluation in irrigated agricultural systems. The Gezira irrigated scheme in Sudan operates a heterogeneous tractor fleet characterized by wide variations in engine power, age and operational efficiency, resulting in highly variable fuel consumption rates. This study aimed to develop, verify, validate and compare a predictive model for tractor diesel fuel consumption under the specific operational and environmental conditions of the Gezira scheme. Field experiments were conducted using eight tractors with engine powers ranging from 56.0 to 190.3 kW coupled with different implements. Actual fuel consumption (L/h) was measured using an auxiliary fuel tank method. Five regression models; linear, logarithmic, exponential, polynomial and power were developed using tractor engine power as the independent variable. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE) and t-test analysis. Among the tested models, the power model (Y = 0.0679 X¹·²²⁰³) exhibited the best overall performance, combining high explanatory power (R²), low RMSE, statistical robustness and physical interpretability. The model was successfully verified using experimental data and validated using independent datasets collected from Gezira, Al-Rahad, and El Suki irrigated schemes. Results showed no statistically significant differences were observed between predicted and measured fuel consumption values (p > 0.05). Comparative analysis demonstrated that the developed power model outperformed the commonly used linear PTO-based model reported in the literature, particularly at medium and high engine power levels. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the model and highlighted the exponent coefficient as the most influential parameter. The developed model provides a reliable and practical tool for estimating tractor fuel consumption, supporting farm planning, and mechanization management in Sudanese irrigated agriculture.

Application of Predictive Model for Tractor Fuel Consumption in the Gezira Scheme, Sudan

Ahmed O. Elattaya, Lotfie A. Yousif, Abdelkarim D. Elfadil — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fuel scarcity and rising energy costs are major challenges for mechanized agriculture in large-scale irrigated schemes such as the Gezira scheme, Efficient planning and allocation of diesel fuel are therefore critical for sustaining mechanized farming operations and maintaining productivity. This study aimed to apply a previously developed and validated predictive power model for tractor fuel consumption to support fuel requirement estimation, operational planning and economic analysis under real field conditions in the Gezira scheme. The model was used to estimate specific volumetric fuel consumption (SVFC), specific volumetric fuel efficiency (SVFE), fuel consumption per unit area (L/ha), unproductive fuel losses associated with off-road tractor movement, and total fuel requirements at farm and scheme levels. The application covered major crops grown in the Gezira scheme, namely cotton, wheat, groundnut and sorghum, under three farming systems: traditional, semi-mechanized, and fully mechanized. Fuel consumption for individual tractor–implement combinations was estimated using predicted hourly fuel consumption and effective field capacity, while unproductive fuel consumption was quantified based on tractor travel distance, speed and off-road fuel use. The model was further applied to estimate total seasonal and annual fuel demand and to assess fuel-related economic costs and potential savings. Results showed stable tractor fuel performance, with an average SVFC and SVFE values were 0.19 L/kW·h and 5.36 kW·h/L, respectively, indicating stable tractor fuel-use performance. Fuel consumption per hectare varied widely among implements, with unproductive fuel losses representing a significant share in high-capacity operations. Total fuel demand increased substantially with mechanization intensity, reaching a maximum under fully mechanized systems. Economic analysis revealed that fuel costs constitute a major component of production expenses, while a 10% reduction in fuel consumption could result in substantial financial savings at both farm and scheme levels. The findings demonstrate the practical applicability of the developed power model as a reliable decision-support tool for fuel budgeting and mechanization planning in large-scale irrigated agricultural systems.

Discrepancies in Broad Bean Productivities between Traditional Farms and Research Experiments

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The main objective of this survey was to estimate the yield variation between research experiments and traditional farm of broad bean production in the River Nile State (RNS). The specific objectives were: to investigate the production capability of the traditional farmers in this area; to make comparison of productivities between research and traditional farmer; to investigate the potentiality of crop production in the River Nile State; and to evaluate the financial challenges facing the traditional farmers. Data was collected from the traditional farmers using structured survey questionnaires with specific sample size put into considered all variations among the traditional farmers. The analysis was based on a descriptive analysis, farm partial budget and benefit-cost ratio analysis. The analysis has concluded into significant yield gap between research experiments and the traditional farmers reached up to about 50% extra for the research sites. However; the traditional farmers were still economically efficient to some extent in producing broad been in the area. The study has recommended that: the government of the RNS has been advised to establish savings programs by encouraging farmers to participate with part of the expenses; also an advisement to encourage research and extension services in supporting farmers; the cropping patterns has to be diversified with focusing on broad bean cultivation; and the yield variation could be bridged by applying appropriate Recommended Technical Package (RTP))

Influences of Light Intensity, and Soil Type on the Growth and Performance of the Indigenous Tree Seedling Species (Leptadenia pyrotechnica)

Medani I. Adlan, Dalia A. Arabi, Khouther M. ELkheder, Osman A. Mohamed — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Forest rehabilitation has a great role to play in the desert region of Sudan in terms of production and protection, one of the main causes of the degradation in the area is deforestation which leads to soil degradation and soil erosion especially by wind speed so this area needs stabilization by planting tree seedling. The experiment was carried out at the nursery of Hudieba Research Station in River Nile State in September 21^Th2022. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of light intensity and soil type on growth and development of (Leptadenia pyrotechnica). Murkh seedling. The treatments tested were arranged in spilt plots design with three replications. The studied factors were light intensity (50% under plastic net, 100% under direct sun light) and soil type's (sand, sand & clay, and clay). The measurements were taken within the first to the second weeks and after three months for germination and different parameters of seedlings, respectively. Results showed that, germination percentage of Leptadenia pyrotechnica seeds was high in 50% sand soil type and similarly in 50% and 100% in sand & clay 1:1, however it was better in 100% than 50% light intensity in clay soil type compared to the other treatments. Also Highly significant effect were observed between treatments on plant height at different stage of growth seedling growth in (first, second and third months), and in fresh and dry weight of roots, shoot (stem and levees) and length of root in different light intensity and soil type, respectively. Fresh and dry weight of root and shoot and roots length were better in100% light intensity in clay and sand & clay 1:1 soil type. The interaction between different treatments showed significant differences in plant hight at various stages, as well as in the fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots. Moreover, seedlings grown under 100% light intensity in clay and sand & clay 1:1 soil type recorded high fresh and dry weight of root and shoot than those in other treatments three months after sowing. The results proved that the best combination of these factors recommended for production of healthy seedling was: 100% light intensity, clay and sand & clay 1:1 soil type

Shelf-Life Investigation for Two Newly Released Tomato Varieties Compared to Introduced one to Sudanese Environment

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to evaluate shelf life for two newly released (Darmali and ZahratElneel) and one introduced (Castle Rock) tomato varieties grown at Hudaiba Research Station Farm, River Nile State, season 2014-2015. They were kept at room temperature (27⁰C) and under cold storage conditions (10-12⁰C) to assess their consumable shelf life. The fruit firmness, weight loss, curliness and overall decay components of the fruits were the daily tested parameters. Tomato fruits stored under cold storage showed longer shelf-life than those stored at room temperature. Generally, Castle Rock had longer shelf-life, followed by Dar-mali and ZhratElneel, respectively. The storage life of tomatoes was determined as 1-14 days

Using a Low-cost Energy (carbon) Source to Produce Tissue Cultures Banana

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to test commercial sugar, available in Sudan, as a carbon source instead of pure sucrose as a low-cost energy source for tissue culture-derived banana seedling production. Grand Nain banana offshoots were used as initial source of explants in a series of subculturing to produce healthy plantlets and their subsequent regeneration using two sugar types with low and high concentrations (15 and 30 g per liter). Results obtained indicated that sugar concentration rather than sugar type affected significantly and positively bud formation in the first two week after subculturing. However, in the last weeks low concentration of commercial sugar behave in a similar way to high concentration of both sugar types on its effect on bud regeneration. Regarding leaf appearance, high concentration of both sugars significantly produced more leaves in the first week only, and then after, leaf appearance was same in both type and concentration of sugars. Higher rooting was significantly recorded by low concentrations of both types of sugars in 2 later weeks of plantlets.