Harvest - 71
 

 

 

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SOME PROMISE IN STRIPPER HARVESTER

The experimental machine removed the kernels from the head, though the panicle position upon contacting the stripper must be controlled so that it no longer drops about 10% of the kernels on the ground. Since the stripper collects about 80% less straw than a conventional combine, it should result in a greatly simplified cleaning system, much lower power requirements, and a faster ground speed. Further, the ability of the stripper to work well with wet straw should lengthen the working day and thus shorten the harvest season. An added important bonus: kernel damage was negligible although conventional combines in the same field contained nearly 6% broken kernels.

þ EXCESS HARVEST LOSSES SEEM WIDESPREAD

About HALF of rice acreage may have excess harvest losses. For example, 10 of 22 combines tested lost 6.3-10.4% of the standing rice yield (adjusted to moisture content 13.5%). That's poor performance compared with the 4 % or less considered normal.

Losses near 20% in lodged rice further emphasize the vital importance of harvest losses, and hence the need for research to develop varieties that resist lodging as well as better machines, adjustments, methods of operation, and training programs on combine operations so owners and operators can take full advantage of the latest information.

þ COMBINE LIMITS

Operating combines beyond normal load levels to avoid late-season weather losses won't normally pay off. You lose as much yield as you gain. Of course, labor and operating costs must be considered in making such decisions.

To keep harvest losses at acceptable levels in '72, check your straw rows periodically. Harvest rates beyond machine capacity can mean 10% losses or more in standing rice, and could reach 20% or more in down rice. Tests showed separation loss was generally much greater than cylinder loss. To estimate your losses in lb/acre, count seeds on ground in a square foot, and multiply by 2.9.

 

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