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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Cotton Production and Processing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #390844
Research Project: Enhancing the Profitability and Sustainability of Upland Cotton, Cottonseed, and Agricultural Byproducts through Improvements in Pre-Ginning, Ginning, and Post-Ginning Processes

Location: Cotton Production and Processing Research

Title: A new handling system for cotton modules - system design

Author
item Wanjura, John
item Holt, Gregory
item Pelletier, Mathew

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/29/2022
Publication Date: 1/10/2022
Citation: Wanjura, J.D., Holt, G.A., Pelletier, M.G. 2022. A new handling system for cotton modules - system design. ASABE Annual International Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A system of tools to enable electronic management of round cotton modules has been developed over the last several years. This system utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in the module wrap to uniquely identify each module of cotton. The mobile and stationary tools interrogate the RFID tags on each module and associate ownership, load, processing status, and GPS location data to the serial number for each module. The data is compiled in a database utility and used by growers and ginners to track the modules from the field to the gin. The new handling system discussed in this presentation, was designed to provide additional module specific information when the modules are engaged by a wheel loader or telehandler machine. When the loader attachment spikes engage a round module, the system scans the RFID tags, measures the moisture content of the seed cotton in the module, and weighs the cotton. The weight and moisture content data are associated with the module serial number along with other user entered information such as client/farm/field, load number, variety, etc. Field testing of the system will be discussed along with future developments planned to help address proper positioning of modules prior to wrap cutting to help minimize risk of plastic contamination.