Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device that is capable of autonomously inspecting roots of groundnut plants in a field to identify any bacterial activity, accordingly treats the plants by applying a solution to stimulate plant growth and improve groundnut yield.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is a vital crop grown in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, as it provides essential oils, proteins, and other nutrients. However, groundnut cultivation faces several challenges that hinder its yield potential. Factors such as soil fertility, water stress, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks significantly affect crop productivity. Soil health, particularly the presence of beneficial microorganisms like rhizobium, plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, which directly impacts groundnut growth and yield. Furthermore, inadequate water management and inefficient irrigation practices often lead to moisture stress, reducing overall productivity. Pests and diseases, including root rots, fungal infections, and insects, damage plants and lower yields. Additionally, traditional farming practices often fail to optimize crop management, leading to suboptimal plant development. As global demand for groundnut products continues to rise, there is an increasing need to enhance yields through modern agricultural practices. This requires addressing soil health, optimizing water usage, controlling pests, and ensuring timely harvesting. Innovative technologies, such as precision farming tools, integrated pest management, and automated systems for monitoring and treating plants, can help improve productivity, enhance the nutritional quality of the crop, and ultimately boost the income of farmers, contributing to food security.

[0003] In groundnut cultivation, several types of equipment are used to enhance yield, such as seed drills, planters, irrigation systems, sprayers, and harvesters. Seed drills and planters ensure uniform planting, optimizing seed depth and spacing, leading to better germination and crop growth. Modern irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, deliver water efficiently to the plants, reducing water wastage and ensuring consistent moisture levels for improved yield. Sprayers are used for pest and disease control, ensuring healthier plants and reducing crop loss. Mechanical harvesters are also employed to speed up the harvesting process, reducing labor costs and preventing losses during manual harvesting. However, Seed drills and planters require proper calibration for different soil types and may be costly for small-scale farmers. Drip irrigation systems, while water-efficient, have high initial setup costs and require regular maintenance to avoid clogging. Sprayers, if not used carefully, can lead to pesticide overuse, harming the environment and beneficial organisms. Mechanical harvesters can damage the crop if not properly calibrated, leading to reduced quality and losses. Additionally, the high cost of advanced equipment can be prohibitive for smallholder farmers, limiting their access to such technologies and affecting yield potential.

[0004] CN204047172U relates to an automatic pick-up type peanut picker which can effectively solve the problem that an automatic seedling pick-up picker is large in size, heavy, hard to operate and low in working efficiency. According to the technical scheme, a suspension arm is arranged at the lower portion of a frame, a clamping part is arranged on the suspension arm, a seedling pick-up device is arranged on one side of the frame, and a feeding port is formed in the upper end of the seedling pick-up device and positioned on one side of a peanut pick-up chamber formed in the frame. A vibration screen is arranged below the peanut pick-up chamber, a seedling suction fan is arranged above the position close to the vibration screen, one end of the seedling suction fan is positioned above the outlet of the vibration screen, the outlet of the vibration screen is connected with a peanut collector arranged at the end of the frame, and a transmission system driven by a driving wheel is arranged on the frame. By means of the automatic pick-up type peanut picker, the mode that agricultural machinery is arranged on a four-wheel tractor in the prior art is changed, the peanut picker is tightly matched with the four-wheel tractor as a whole body, and the repeated structures are reduced. Therefore, the structural layout of the peanut picker is simple, operation is easy, the working efficiency is increased, and the peanut picking quality is improved.

[0005] CN103168548A relates to a peanut collector for clayed ground. The peanut collector for the clayed ground comprises a mounting rack. A transmission case is arranged on the mounting rack, a power input shaft, a power output shaft and a transmission piece are arranged on the transmission case, a collecting shovel is arranged at the front end of the mounting rack, and the collecting shovel is formed by a back side plate with an outlet, a first side edge plate, a second side edge plate and a lower carrier plate with an open groove. A roll shaft which is provided with two screw blades is supported at two side edge plate bodies above the lower carrier plate in a rotating mode, and the roll shaft and the power output shaft achieves transmission in the same direction through a transmission mechanism. A poking roll shaft is supported at the front lower end of the first side edge plate and the front lower end of the second side edge plate, and poking teeth with certain intervals are fixedly arranged on a circumferential direction surface of the poking roll shaft, wherein the adjacent poking teeth are staggered. The poking teeth move to penetrate through the open groove of the lower carrier plate, and a reverse rotation is achieved between the poking roll shaft and the roll shaft through the transmission mechanism. The peanut collector for the clayed ground is reasonable in structure, reliable to use, fast in collection speed, and low in labor intensity of workers.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to harvest yield of groundnuts, however these existing devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to monitoring of the groundnut plant roots for bacterial presence and also lack in providing means for spraying growth-enhancing solution for maintaining healthy growth of the plants.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of automatically monitoring groundnut plant roots for bacterial presence, spraying a growth-enhancing solution whenever necessary, while managing soil moisture levels for better plant development and efficiently gathering the harvested groundnut shells.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automatically inspecting roots of groundnuts plants of an agricultural field to check any bacterial activity within roots, accordingly sprays solution to stimulate plant growth and enhancing yield of groundnuts.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting moisture content of the soil of the plants and accordingly maintains moisture level of the soil for better growth of the plants.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of collecting yield of groundnut shell from the agricultural field in an efficient manner.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device that is capable of examining roots of groundnuts plants of an agricultural field for any bacterial activity within roots in view of maintaining growth of the plants for better yield of groundnuts.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device, comprises of a cuboidal body positioned over an agricultural field grown with groundnut, installed with plurality of wheels for providing autonomous movement to the body over the field, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit is installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, based on which a microcontroller linked with the processor evaluates a 3-Dimensional mapping of the field, a touch interactive display panel installed over the body to display the evaluated 3-Dimensional mapping that is accessed by a user to select an area over which the user desires to monitor condition of the groundnut plants, a pair of L-shaped extendable bars are attached to outer periphery of the body, each bar integrated with a curved-shaped plate that are synchronously actuated by the microcontroller to move aside the soil, exposing the plant roots.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of an electrochemical sensor embedded with the plate to detect bacterial activity within roots of the plant, based on which the microcontroller actuates an electronic sprayer connected with a chamber stored with rhizobium rich solution installed on the body for dispensing an optimum amount of the solution over the roots, stimulating plant growth and enhancing yield of groundnuts, an electronic valve attached with a vessel stored with water and configured on the body, the microcontroller actuates the valve for dispensing the water on the soil in synchronization with actuation of the wheels for maneuvering the body over entire field, based on real-time moisture requirement of the soil as detected by a moisture sensor embedded on the plate, an articulated arm integrated with a shovel attached with the body to collect groundnuts from the field.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a receptacle housed on ceiling of the body, the receptacle is equipped with a motorized flap on top, which opens and closes using a drawer mechanism, facilitating easy placement and removal of groundnuts, providing convenient access to harvested crop, a capsaicin-based repellent is stored in a dedicated box installed on the body, the box integrated with an electronic nozzle that is actuated by the microcontroller to spray the repellent over the plants, discouraging rodent(s) and animal(s) from eating the plants, a vibrating unit is integrated into outer periphery of the shovel that generate low-intensity vibrations that are applied to soil during extraction process, ensuring proper collection of groundnuts, and L-bracket extendable rod is mounted on the body, integrated with a motorized clamping unit, the rod and clamping unit is synchronously actuated by the microcontroller to detach the groundnut shell from plant, ensuring groundnut is placed inside the receptacle without risk of dropping or damaging the crops.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device that is capable of maintaining groundnut plants of an agricultural field by spraying solution to remove bacterial activity in roots of the plants for better growth of plants and efficiently collect groundnut shells from the agricultural field, ensuring effective harvesting of the crop.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal body 101 installed with plurality of wheels 102, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a touch interactive display panel 104 installed over the body 101, a pair of L-shaped extendable bars 105 attached to outer periphery of the body 101, each bar integrated with a curved-shaped plate 106, an electronic sprayer 107 connected with a chamber 108 installed on the body 101, an electronic valve 109 attached with a vessel 110 configured on the body 101.

[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates an articulated arm 111 integrated with a shovel 112 attached with the body 101, a receptacle 113 housed on ceiling of the body 101, the receptacle 113 is equipped with a motorized flap 114 on top, a motorized ball-and-socket joint 115 positioned between the bar and plate 106, a dedicated box 116 installed on the body 101 and the box 116 is integrated with an electronic nozzle 117, and L-bracket extendable rod 118 mounted on the body 101, integrated with a motorized clamping unit.

[0025] The proposed invention includes a body 101 preferably in portable cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The body 101 is configured in a way such that comprise plurality of motorized wheels 102 positioned underneath the body 101 for translation of the body 101 as per requirement. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the body 101 for longevity of the device.

[0026] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the body 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0027] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0028] After the activation of the device, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings to generate a 3-dimensional map of surrounding of the field. The imaging unit 103 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0029] The evaluated 3-dimensional mapping of the surrounding is displayed over a touch interactive display panel 104 installed over the body 101. The display panel 104 is accessed by the user for providing input selection of an area over which the user desires to monitor condition of the groundnut plants. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 104 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 104 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 104 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0030] In accordance to the user input, the microcontroller then powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the wheels 102. The wheels 102 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by the motor, enabling the wheels 102 to move in required direction, which provide the body 101 with the required movement for maneuvering over the surface.

[0031] The outer periphery of the body 101 is attached with a pair of L-shaped extendable bars. The end of the bars 105 are configured with a curved-shaped plate 106 by means of a motorized ball-and-socket joint 115 is positioned between the bar and plate 106. The rods are powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the body 101 such that provides extension/retraction of the bars 105 as per requirement.

[0032] In relation to the user input, the microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bars. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the bars 105 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the bars 105 for moving aside the soil, exposing the plant roots. All the pneumatically operated components associated with the device comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0033] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the ball and socket joint 115 that provides a 360-degree rotation to the plate 106 for aiding the plate 106 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 115 are a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 115, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the plate 106. The ball and socket joint 115 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the plate 106, thereby ensuring the plate 106 move to various positions around the plant.

[0034] Post exposing of the plant roots, an electrochemical sensor embedded with the plate 106 detects bacterial activity within roots of the plant. The electrochemical sensor detects bacterial activity within plant roots by measuring changes in electrical signals caused by microbial processes. When bacteria in the root zone metabolize organic compounds, produces byproducts like ions or gases that alter the local electrochemical environment. The electrochemical sensor, typically equipped with electrodes, monitors changes in electrical potential or current, which are indicative of bacterial activity. These signals are then analyzed by the microcontroller to determine the presence and intensity of microbial activity.

[0035] The body 101 incorporates a chamber 108 stored with rhizobium rich solution. The chamber 108 is installed with an electronic sprayer 107. As per the detected bacterial activity in the roots of the plants, the microcontroller actuates the sprayer 107 to for dispensing an optimum amount of the solution over the roots. The motorized sprayer 107 is attached with a motor that activates a pump associated with the chamber 108 according to the electrical system, which makes it possible for sprayer 107 to spray the required solution onto the roots, such that, stimulating plant growth and enhancing yield of groundnuts.

[0036] The body 101 is installed with a dedicated box 116 stored with a capsaicin-based repellent. The box 116 is integrated with an electronic nozzle 117 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to spray the repellent over the plants, discouraging rodent(s) and animal(s) from eating the plants. The electronic nozzle 117, used herein, controls flow of capsaicin-based repellent by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a microcontroller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, and capsaicin-based repellent level in view of dispensing the capsaicin-based repellent as per the determined requirement.

[0037] The plate 106 is embedded with a moisture sensor to detect requirement of moisture content in the soil for proper growth of the plants. The moisture sensor is one kind of sensor used to gauge the volumetric content of water within the soil. The moisture sensor uses capacitance to measure dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium. In soil, dielectric permittivity is a function of the water content. The moisture sensor creates a voltage proportional to the dielectric permittivity, and therefore the water content of the soil is measured. The moisture sensor transmits the signals to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data in order to determine the presence of the moisture content in the soil.

[0038] A vessel 110 is juxtaposition with the chamber 108. The vessel 110 stores water for watering the soil of the plants. The vessel 110 is integrated with an electronic valve 109 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water on the soil in synchronization with actuation of the wheels 102 for maneuvering the body 101 over entire field.

[0039] The body 101 is configured with an articulated arm 111 integrated with a shovel 112. The top portion of the body 101 is housed with a receptacle 113 integrated with a motorized flap 114 and that is powered by a drawer mechanism. The microcontroller actuates the arm 111 to position the shovel 112 in proximity to the field and collect groundnuts from the field.

[0040] The articulated arm 111 comprises, motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm 111 that allows the upper part of the arm 111 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 111 and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to collect the groundnuts from the field and transfer into the receptacle 113.

[0041] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the drawer mechanism to open/close the opening of the receptacle 113 by the extension/retraction of the flap 114. The drawer mechanism consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the flap 114.

[0042] The arm 111 facilitates easy placement and removal of groundnuts, providing convenient access to harvested crop groundnuts.

[0043] The outer periphery of the shovel 112 is integrated with a vibrating unit and that is actuated by the microcontroller to generate low-intensity vibrations for collection of the groundnuts. The vibrating unit subjects the shovel 112 to the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly leading to controlled and reproducible mechanical vibration such that are applied to soil during extraction process, ensuring proper collection of groundnuts.

[0044] The process of extracting the groundnuts shell from the plant is accompanied by a L-bracket extendable rod 118 is mounted on the body 101. The rod 118 is integrated with a clamping unit to detach the groundnut shell from the plant. The rod 118 is powered by the pneumatic arrangement associated with the device. The extension/retraction of the rod 118 is similar to the working of the bars 105 as mentioned above.

[0045] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the clamping unit to pluck the groundnut shell from the plant. The Clamping unit comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps, which attached with motor to grip the groundnut shell. A direct current (DC) motor is activated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorized clamp for detaching the groundnut shell form the plant.

[0046] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0047] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body 101 equipped with wheels 102 as disclosed in the invention is dedicated towards enabling movement of the body 101. The imaging unit 103, paired with the processor, captures and processes multiple images of the field to create the 3D map, which is displayed on the touch interactive panel for user interaction. The user selects the area to monitor, and extendable L-shaped bars, equipped with curved plate 106, are actuated to expose plant roots. The electrochemical sensor detects bacterial activity, prompting the microcontroller to activate the electronic sprayer 107 with the rhizobium solution to stimulate plant growth. The microcontroller also controls the electronic valve 109 that dispenses water based on real-time moisture levels, as detected by the moisture sensor, while wheels 102 maneuver the device across the field. Additionally, the articulated arm 111 with the shovel 112 collects harvested groundnuts, transferring them to the receptacle 113 with the motorized flap 114 for easy access. The motorized ball-and-socket joint 115 allows for precise plate 106 movements around the plant, and the capsaicin repellent spray discourages pests. The vibrating unit ensures efficient groundnut extraction, while the extendable rod 118 with the clamping unit detaches groundnut shells, safeguarding the harvest.

[0048] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , C , Claims:1) An automated groundnut cultivation and yield enhancement device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 positioned over an agricultural field grown with groundnut, installed with multiple wheels 102 for providing autonomous movement to said body 101 over said field, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 is installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, based on which a microcontroller linked with said processor generates a 3-Dimensional (3D) map of said field;

ii) a touch interactive display panel 104 installed over said housing to display said evaluated 3-Dimensional map that is accessed by a user to select an area over which said user desires to monitor condition of said groundnut plants, wherein a pair of L-shaped extendable bars 105 are attached to outer periphery of said body 101, each bar integrated with a curved-shaped plate 106 that are synchronously actuated by said microcontroller to move aside said soil, exposing said plant roots;

iii) an electrochemical sensor embedded with said plate 106 to detect bacterial activity within roots of said plant, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates an electronic sprayer 107 connected with a chamber 108 stored with rhizobium rich solution installed on said body 101 for dispensing an optimum amount of said solution over said roots, stimulating plant growth and enhancing yield of groundnuts;

iv) an electronic valve 109 attached with a vessel 110 stored with water and configured on said body 101, wherein said microcontroller actuates said valve for dispensing said water on said soil in synchronization with actuation of said wheels 102 for maneuvering said body 101 over entire field, based on real-time moisture requirement of said soil as detected by a moisture sensor embedded on said plate 106; and

v) an articulated arm 111 integrated with a shovel 112 attached with said body 101, said articulated arm 111 is guided by said microcontroller to collect groundnuts from said field and transfer over a receptacle 113 housed on ceiling of said body 101, wherein said receptacle 113 is equipped with a motorized flap 114 on top, which opens and closes using a drawer mechanism, facilitating easy placement and removal of groundnuts, providing convenient access to harvested crop.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball-and-socket joint 115 is positioned between said bar and plate 106, enabling multi-directional movement to ensure said plate 106 move to various positions around said plant.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a capsaicin-based repellent is stored in a dedicated box 116 installed on said body 101, said box 116 integrated with an electronic nozzle 117 that is actuated by said microcontroller to spray said repellent over said plants, discouraging rodent(s) and animal(s) from eating said plants.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibrating unit is integrated into outer periphery of said shovel 112 that generate low-intensity vibrations that are applied to soil during extraction process, ensuring proper collection of groundnuts.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a L-bracket extendable rod 118 is mounted on said body 101, integrated with a motorized clamping unit, said rod 118 and clamping unit is synchronously actuated by said microcontroller to detach said groundnut shell from plant, ensuring groundnut is placed inside said receptacle 113 without risk of dropping or damaging the crop.