Investigating the Influence of Infrared Drying Method on Linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) Leaves: Kinetics, Color, Projected Area, Modeling, Total Phenolic, and Flavonoid Content.

The Linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) is a highly popular herbal plant due to its central nervous system properties. In this study, thin layer drying kinetics of linden leave samples were experimentally investigated in an infrared (IR) dryer. In order to select the appropriate model for predicting the drying kinetics of linden leaves, eleven thin layer semi theoretical, theoretical, and empirical models, widely used in describing the drying behavior of agricultural products, were fitted to the experimental data. Moreover, the color, projected area (PA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were investigated. The results showed that the drying time decreased from 50 min to 20 min. with increased IR temperature from 50-70 °C. Therewithal, the Midilli model gave the most suitable data for 50 °C, 60 °C. Moreover, Verma et al. and Diffusion approximation models showed good results for 70 °C. The lightness and greenness of the dried linden leaves were significantly changed compared with fresh samples. The PA of dried sample decreased similar to the drying time. In addition, the drying temperature effect on the effective diffusion diffusivity (Deff) and activation energy (Ea) were also computed. The Deff ranges from 4.13 × 10-12 to 5.89 × 10-12 and Ea coefficient was 16.339 kJ/mol. Considering these results, the Midilli et al. model is above the 50 °C, 60 °C, and the Verma et al. and Diffusion to 70 °C, for explaining the drying behavior of linden leaves under IR drying. Moreover, it can be said that the Page model can be used, if it is desired, to express the drying behaviors, partially with the help of a simple equation material by drying. TPC and TFC values were statistically < 0.001 higher in dried samples compared to fresh samples; however, no change has been recorded of TPC and TFC values at different temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C).

The Effect of Infrared Drying on Color, Projected Area, Drying Time, and Total Phenolic Content of Rose (Rose electron) Petals.

The effects of different drying temperatures (50, 60, 70 °C) on the quality of rose (Rose electron) petals were evaluated in this study. Drying time decreased from 1680 s to 600 s with increased infrared temperature. The temperature and time were increased from 50 °C to 70 °C and 30 min to 60 min, respectively, and a decrease in the fruit color quality was observed. The projected area (PA) of rose petals was affected significantly from temperature. After the drying process, the largest PA was observed as 33.35 cm2 (50 °C, 30 min), while the smallest achieved at 70 °C, 60 min (27.96 cm2). Depending on the temperature values (50, 60, 70 °C), the average projection area of dry samples of the rose petals decreased 2.17 times compared to the projection area of fresh samples. The dried samples demonstrated an increase in the total phenolic (TP) content compared to the fresh samples. The maximum TP (44.49 mg GAE/g) was achieved at 45 min and 70 °C rose petals sample. The results concluded that infrared drying for 45 min at 70 °C could be recommended for drying rose (rosa electron) petals.

Affects of different tillage managements on soil physical quality in a clayey soil.

This study, conducted in 2011, researches the effects of different tillage practices on the physical soil quality of clayey soil. This soil quality index (SQI) assessment was made by studying the changes in physical soil functions such as suitability for root development, facilitation for water entry, movement and storage, and resistance against surface degradation based on tillage management. When compared with the control parcel, statistically significant decreases were seen in the SQI with different tillage practices (p < 0.05). Among the tillage practices, the highest SQI was seen with the plow + rotary tiller + direct seeding machine, while the lowest SQI was seen with the direct drilling practice. On the other hand, the statistically insignificant effects of tillage practices on the soil quality of the study area were considered to be a result of either the study period or the joint effect of soil texture and climatic features. Thus, long-term tillage practices were recommended in order to get healthier information about soil quality by considering soil and climatic conditions. In addition, for heavy clayey soils, reduced tillage practices, which included plowing, were thought to develop physical soil qualities of root development and water movement.