Kadirli Uygulamalı Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi

Rainwater Harvesting Design and Optimization in Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climates: A Technical Review with Focus on Türkiye

Tevfik Denizhan MUFTUOGLU — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

A comprehensive technical review of current literature regarding rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in terms of design, feasibility and optimization in Türkiye and similar Mediterranean climates is presented here in. Research has been conducted through a peer-reviewed study process (2010-2026). It was created to provide hydraulic engineers with design specifications and sizing methodologies for use in urban settings. The results indicated that for optimal residential tank size in Türkiye would be dependent upon several factors including roof area (30-270 m²), rainfall (292-1180 mm/year), and demand profile, but generally ranged from 2-21 m³. Particle Swarm Optimization and Linear Programming were identified as the most effective sizing methods to achieve 90-98 % volumetric reliability while minimizing the total lifecycle cost. Potential water savings resulting from implementation of an RWH system range from 20-70 % of domestic water usage, which could result in discounted payback times ranging from 12-36 years based on the configuration of the RWH system and local water pricing structures. The review also emphasized the importance of hydrologic models, filtration requirements and optimization techniques for designing RWH systems in semi-arid Mediterranean climates.

Operator Exposures in Pesticide Applications Using Different Types of Sprayers

Ali BOLAT — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This review investigates operator exposure to pesticides during applications using various types of sprayers. Pesticides play a crucial role in managing agricultural pests; however, they can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. The research evaluates the effects of field sprayers, vineyard and orchard sprayers, backpack sprayers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on operator exposure levels. The study emphasizes that the design of sprayers is a critical factor influencing operator exposure. Challenges encountered during the use of sprayers, along with inadequate regulations, contribute to increased health risks for operators. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the use of UAVs can reduce exposure levels by approximately 90-99%. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of implementing personal protective equipment (PPE), providing training, and improving equipment design to enhance the safety of pesticide applications. It also highlights the need for the development of sustainable agricultural practices. This research offers significant insights into agricultural safety and operator health, paving the way for future investigations in this field.

Classification of Apple Quality Based on Physical and Chemical Properties: A Machine Learning Based Approach

Nadir SUBAŞI, Ozen ÖZER — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines a machine learning-based approach for assessing physical and chemical properties to determine apple quality. While traditional quality control methods are time-consuming, costly, and subjective, artificial intelligence and computer vision techniques offer faster and more accurate results. The study used a dataset consisting of 4000 samples containing key physical and chemical variables such as apple size, weight, sweetness, crispness, juiciness, ripeness, and acidity. The performances of various machine learning algorithms were compared during the training and testing phases. In model performance evaluations, the Voter Classifier (VT) algorithm achieved the highest accuracy rate of 91.25% and F1-Score 91.25% also demonstrated superiority in other key metrics. In the study conducted in Trabzon, the combination of the LGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine) and CatBoost algorithms within the voter structure stood out as an innovative approach that increased model performance. While this method has limited applications in the literature, it has the potential to make significant contributions to the optimization of quality control processes in the agricultural sector. Therefore, it is concluded that AI-supported systems are an effective tool for agricultural quality assessment.

Influence of Breed and Haemoglobin Variability on Linear Body Measurements and Haematological Traits in Three Strains of Local Chickens in Nigeria

Ayuba DAUDA, Abdulrahman HALILU, Affiong Joseph HENRY — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study investigated the influence of breed and haemoglobin variability on linear body measurements and haematological traits in three strains of local chickens in Nigeria. A total of 150 chickens, comprising 50 birds from each strain, were sourced from local poultry breeders and reared under uniform management conditions, ensuring access to feed and water ad libitum. Haemoglobin (Hb) variability was determined using standard laboratory procedures. Linear body measurements, including body weight (BW), body length (BL), wing span (WS), shank length (SHL), and drumstick length (DS), were recorded using a graduated tape and weighing scale. Data obtained was subjected to one-way analysis of variance while significant means were seperation using duncan multiple range test using the procedure of SPSS version 27. The results revealed significant variations in body measurements among the three breeds. Naked neck (NN) chickens exhibited the highest body weight (1.20 kg), whereas Frizzled Feathered (FF) chickens had the lowest (0.80 kg). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in shank length and chest circumference across breeds. Haematological parameters varied significantly, with normal feathered (NA) chickens having the highest packed cell volume (PCV) of 35.18% compared to NN (16.58%) and FF (28.30%). Hb genotypes also influenced haematological traits, with BB genotypes showing higher PCV (30.64%) and white blood cell counts (11.57) than AA and AB genotypes. The study highlights the impact of genetic variability on morphological and physiological traits, suggesting that haemoglobin polymorphism may serve as an indicator of breed adaptability and productivity in local chickens. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic basis of these variations for improved breeding strategies in indigenous poultry production.

Multi-Year Performance Evaluation of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Semi-Humid Mediterranean Climates: A 25-Year Design Matrix Simulation for Kadirli District, Türkiye

Tevfik Denizhan MÜFTÜOGLU — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has gained renewed attention as a decentralized water supply strategy in regions with strong seasonal imbalances between rainfall availability and water demand. This study develops a long-term simulation framework based on a complete 25-year dataset (1 January 2000 – 31 December 2024) for household-scale rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in Kadirli, Türkiye, a representative semi-humid Mediterranean district. Daily meteorological inputs were sourced from the NASA POWER database, including precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, radiation, and wind speed. A design matrix of storage capacities (0–30 m³, 0.5 m³ increments) and first-flush depths (0–2 mm) were evaluated. Climate-responsive demand was estimated as proportional to daily reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) with a scaling factor α = 100 L/mm, yielding realistic daily household-equivalent demands. System performance was assessed using volumetric reliability (Rv), day-based reliability (Rd), and spillage ratio. Descriptive statistics of daily rainfall revealed high variability (CV > 2.6), strong positive skewness (≈4.5), and extreme kurtosis (≈29), demonstrating that RWH must cope with long dry spells punctuated by intense rainfall events. Results confirm that RWH in Kadirli is fundamentally supply-limited, with a maximum volumetric reliability of ~0.28 under a 100 m² roof, irrespective of tank oversizing. Shortages concentrate in late summer (August–October), while spillage occurs mainly in winter. Pareto analyses show diminishing returns beyond 15–20 m³ of storage, indicating that oversized tanks are inefficient in this climate regime. This study introduces a replicable, satellite-driven methodology for long-term, climate-aligned RWH evaluation, highlighting the role of RWH as a supplementary rather than standalone water source. The approach is transferable to other Mediterranean cities facing seasonal water scarcity.

Data-Driven Analysis of Fruit Processing Efficiency and Pomace Valorization Potential in Türkiye and Serbia

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the production, processing, and valorization potential of grape and plum pomaces generated in Türkiye and Serbia, two leading producers of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) and plums (Prunus domestica L.), using a data-driven approach, and demonstrates that these by-products represent sustainable yet largely underutilized biomass resources within the framework of the circular bioeconomy. The findings obtained within the scope of this study indicate that these by-products represent sustainable yet largely underutilized biomass resources within the framework of the circular bioeconomy. All data processing, statistical analyses, and visualizations were performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), primarily through descriptive statistical methods and formula-based calculations, selected for its suitability for structured agricultural datasets, transparent traceability of calculations, and reproducibility across users. Agricultural production data for the period 2020–2024, including industrial processing ratios, pomace quantities, and waste diversion levels, were evaluated within this framework. The findings indicate that approximately 451×10³ tons of grape pomace are generated annually in Türkiye, while Serbia produces about 34×10³ tons of plum pomace; however, valorization rates in both countries remain below 5%. Biochemical evidence shows that both pomaces are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and fermentable sugars, making them suitable and sustainable feedstocks for the production of bacterial cellulose, nanocellulose, and pectin-based biopolymers. Nevertheless, insufficient biorefinery infrastructure and limited industrial integration continue to hinder the realization of this potential

Reducing Associated Resource Constraints in Erosion Risk Evaluation in Nigeria

Henry AHAMEFULE, Mayowa Julius BABALOLA, Pearl HENRY — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Erosion risk determination is time-consuming, cumbersome, and costly. To ensure food security, methods of estimating erosion risk that substantially reduces associated constrains are needed; therefore, this study determined the soil properties central to providing structural stability and using same to build empirical models to forecast possible response of soil structural framework to the shattering effects of raindrops (D). Five core and auger surface soil samples from five locations were collected across Central Nigeria. A chemical and physico-structural soil properties correlation matrix was produced; ‘D’ was then fitted to a linear multivariate model. Models with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) and minimal standard error with interpretations applicable to real situations were selected for validation on 10 other test soils. Results indicate that the Ca content of soils and soil porosity were the single most important soil chemical and physical property respectively, determining ‘D’, whereas Na (-0.49) and bulk density (-0.73) where the most negatively correlated chemical and physical property to ‘D’. Models 2, 11 and 12 best predicted ‘D’ with ‘r’ values between measured and predicted ‘D’ as 0.97, 0.94 and 0.95, and Model 2 predicted ‘D’ in 80 % of the test soils, whereas Models 11 and 12 did so in 70 % of test soils. However, the cost associated with model 2 was six and four folds higher compared to model 11 and 12 respectively. Based on the related cost, model 11 is the choice, whereas in terms of versatility model 2 is. All models developed were cheap and high in predictive accuracy for ‘D’. The models (2, 11 and 12) with few entries (soil properties) are simpler than existing models.

İnglizce GC-MS Analysis of the Volatile Compounds in Achillea wilhelmsii K. Koch Collected from Eastern Anatolia

Azize DEMİRPOLAT, Pelin YILMAZ SANCAR — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study aims to analyze the essential oil composition of Achillea wilhelmsii K. Koch, collected from the Bingöl region of Turkey, using the GC-MS method. A total of 31 different compounds were identified, with camphor (48.2%), 3-cyclohexen-1-ol (14.2%), borneol (10.3%), and 1,8-cineole (6.6%) being the most abundant. These results are largely consistent with previous findings from Iran and Turkey; however, the notably high proportion of 3-cyclohexen-1-ol suggests a potentially unique chemotype specific to the Bingöl region. The study highlights the impact of environmental and methodological factors on essential oil profiles and underscores the importance of region-specific research.