Harvesting straw cereals is the most important mechanised work in July. To cut the losses to a minimum, harvesting with self-propelled combines is done upon full ripening. To cut the losses, fields should not be weeded or have fallen plants and combines should be fixed depending on the field state. In weeded fields, harvesting is done by cutting plants with wind-rovers, letting them dry and harvesting with lifting equipment attached to the combines. To avoid loss during harvesting, we need to choses the plots to be harvested depending on the ripening state of the crops. It is recommended to cultivate several cultivars with different ripening periods to reach maximum harvesting time. These last years, there has been spectacular evolution in self-propelled straw harvesting combines, which now are highly performing from the point of view of productivity, reliability, automation, the quality of the harvested crop and comfort in operating. To determine properly losses upon harvesting straw cereals, we need to evaluate yield before harvesting. Upon harvesting, we need to determine losses and to take measures to reduce them through properly fixing straw harvesting combines. The main losses in harvesting straw cereals depend on field state, on the flow of the thresher, on combine tightness, on self-propelled combine fixtures, etc. Losses are determined for each case apart and are presented quantitatively and as percentage depending on the yield evaluated. Using straw harvesting combines with a feeding flow above optimum causes higher losses. Optimum feeding flow is established depending on the type of the harvesting combine and on the field state, so that grain losses range within admitted limits. Using straw cereal harvesting combines rationally at the optimum time ensures minimum loss and low expenses.

wheat, crop, harvesting combine, threshing, grain loss, yield.

sciences soil

Presentation: poster