Abstract
To study the effect of operational factors on combine performance, a maize combine with snap roll header was tested at feed rates levels of 69.94 Mg h-1, 85.48 Mg h-1, 124.33 Mg h-1 and moisture content levels of 24.45%, 26.03%, 28.90% respectively. Pre harvest losses increased from 1 to 4% as the maize crop were sun dried from a grain moisture level of 28.90% to 24.45% because the ear shank became weak with decrease in moisture content. The shelling efficiency varied from 96.81% to 98.13%, cleaning efficiency varied from 95.20% to 95.80%, minimum grain damage obtained was 2.1% and minimum total loss obtained was 9.96%. The optimum values of feed rate and moisture content (w.b.) were 85.48 Mg h-1 (forward speed of 1.10 km h-1) and 26.03%, respectively. The corresponding data obtained for shelling efficiency, cleaning efficiency, grain damage and total loss by combine were 98.13%, 95.80%, 2.10% and 10.23%, respectively. The energy involved in maize harvesting for maize dehusker cum sheller and maize combine with snap roll header were 2152.26 and 2633.25 MJ ha-1, respectively. The Solar energy is crucial for gaining optimum moisture for maize harvesting and reducing losses. Maize with low global warming potential is a viable energy crop and leftover corn stover is also a viable alternative to fossil fuels which can be used for bioethanol, silage production and also as domestic fuel in rural, hilly areas. However optimum harvesting stage is crucial to minimize energy involved during maize harvesting, grain storage and alternative uses.
Highlights
Maize is cultivated on nearly 178 million ha globally in about 160 countries and contributes approximately 50% (1,170 million metric tonnes (MT)) to the global grain production
The shelling efficiency initially increased with decrease in moisture content of maize crop and increased with increase in moisture content
Mean header losses increased upto 15.34% at feed rate of 124.33 Mg h-1 and grain moisture content of 24.45%, drying costs were lowered at this moisture content
Summary
Maize is cultivated on nearly 178 million ha globally in about 160 countries and contributes approximately 50% (1,170 million metric tonnes (MT)) to the global grain production. A maize grain harvester consists of maize head, conveying, threshing, separation, cleaning units and a grain tank. This same maize grain harvester can simplify the harvesting procedure, improve production efficiency, and reduce grain loss. Maize harvesting in the United States, Germany, Ukraine, Russia and other western countries apply direct threshing because of the planting pattern of one crop a year and low grain content during harvest period (Hou, 2006; Ji et al, 2006; Zhu & Chen, 2010; Yan et al, 2007). India stands fifth in terms of production accounting for 2% of the total world maize production
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