Characteristic Performance and Yields using a Single-Pass, Split-Stream Maize Grain and Stover Harvester

Abstract

A grain combine was modified to produce single-pass, whole-plant corn harvesting with two cropstreams, grain and stover. Capture of potential stover DM varied from 48 to 89% for leaves, 49 to 92% forstalks, and greater than 90% for husks and cobs, depending upon corn head height. Stover aggregatemoisture was 50.2, 43.1 and 36.4% (w.b.) when the corn head height was 10, 44 and 63% of ear height,respectively. Greater MOG feedrate limited ground speed due to power availability, so area capacity was2.3, 2.8 and 3.4 ha/h when corn head height was 10, 44 and 63% of ear height, respectively. Whole-plantharvesting reduced area capacity by nearly 61% compared to harvesting with a conventional snapping-rollhead. Single-pass stover had an average particle size of 69 mm and bulk density of 51 and 110 kg DM/m3 inthe wagon and bag silo, respectively. Based on polymeric sugar content, estimated ethanol yield was 3,945,3,230, and 2,600 L/ha when the corn head height was 10, 44 and 63% of ear height, respectively.Fermentation of single-pass stover in a bag silo was adequate with average losses of 6% of total DM.