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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to non-destructively and quickly predict the capsaicinoid content of domestic red pepper powders from various areas of Korea using a pungency measurement system in combination with visible and near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopic techniques. Methods: The reflectance spectra of 149 red pepper powder samples from14 areas of Korea were obtained in the wavelength range of 450-950 nm and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models for the prediction of capsaicinoid content were developed using area models. Results: The determination coefficient of validation (RV2), standard error of prediction (SEP), and residual prediction deviation (RPD) for the capsaicinoid content prediction model for the Namyoungyang area were 0.985, ±2.17 mg/100g, and 7.94, respectively. Conclusions: These results show the possibility of VNIR spectroscopy combined with PLSR models in the non-destructive and facile prediction of capsaicinoid content of red pepper powders from Korea.

This study was carried out to develop turning radius measuring method and device of using a DGPS speed sensor for agricultural tractors. The measurement system consisted of a DGPS speed sensor, a data acquisition device, a touch panel, a photo sensor, a radio modem and a notebook computer. Three methods were developed: average of turning speed-time method, integral of turning speed-time method, and speed-heading angular velocity method. Best method was average of turning speed-time method which could be used with a maximum error 2.7 cm.

This study was carried out to develop a shredding-burying machine for application of gramineae green manure crops that were tall and had high biomass yield such as sudan grass and rye. We made a prototype to operate both shredding and burying concurrently to attach at middle-sized tractors. Field tests were performed with the prototype to treat rye and sudan grass. The test results showed that the average cutting length became shorter and the quantity of entwined stem became obviously decreased when the PTO shaft speed was fast and running speed was slow. Also, We found, when the cut stem length became shorter, the burying ratio became more increasing and the PTO power requirement became more decreasing. Working efficiency of the prototype was better than conventional Rotary. The test results for treating rye/sudan grass with prototype showed that average cutting length was 21.2/22.5 cm and burying ratio was 98.4/98.1% when the PTO shaft speed was 1,000/1,000 rpm and running speed was 0.25/0.17 m/s. Also, the working performance of the prototype was 0.79 and 1.14 h/10 a for rye and sudan grass, respectively. Finally, we found that the prototype of shredding-burying machine was better for labor than conventional method that required at least 3 times bigger tractor.