Simulated Slopes on a Test Rig Based Evaluating Continuous Cereal Yield Metering Accuracy: A Case Study of Workshop Experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Yield mapping as a prerequisite of precision farming evolution needs more both field and laboratory investigations for wide varied slope effect based crops combining as an important influenced factor. Naturally, optimised precision and accuracy of continuous crop yield metering on combine harvesters requires more detailed studies on points such the field-slope variations which affect not only on soil characteristics and in-field spatial crop yield but it is a serious problem to measure the reliable continuous spatial variable yield variations during combine harvesting. Author through his practical studies conducted at Nafferton research Farm of Newcastle University in UK found out very varied topographic aspects. Previous authors experiences in both workshop and fields showed that the slope affects accurate yield measurement through combining crops (Sanaei, A. 2008) and then the research was extended to design and construct a test rig using clean grain elevators parts of Class Combine for more controlled fruitful trials by simulating varied slopes(pitch and roll) in workshop site. Today, there are only a few harvester combines with installed full package of yield meter kits equipped with a slope (Pitch and Roll) sensor as well. These studies showed that the accuracy of Ceres2 also may be improved by addition of an optional hillside slope sensor. It measures the angle of side-slopes and the instrument will correct the yield measurement for the effect of the slope sensor location. This paper examined and analysed data of multidimensional detailed wide range of slope effects between 0-15 degrees on measuring yield through accessing to algorithmic models by installing previous version of Ceres2 yield meter on constructed test rig which showed comprehensive results including significant differences on yield meter accuracy.