SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE DAMAGE OF POTATO TUBERS DURING HARVEST

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of some factors affecting the damage of potato tubers during harvesting using potato harvesting machine with the chain, which harvest two lines. Three of the operating variables were studied. These factors included front speed of the machine, the depth of the cut and the vibration capacity of the machine sieve series. Experiments were carried out in a plantation in Wadi Al-Natroun - Beheira Governorate in sandy clay soil and on a crop cultivated in 2018. It is a kind of King Edward with an oval shape. . The maximum percentage of raising tubers was 88.57% at forward speed 2 km / h. The minimum lift rate was 85.56% at forward speed 2.5 km / h. When the forward speed is increased from 1.5 to 2.5 km / h. Total damaged tubers increased from 2.88% to 4.63%. . The potato damage index was 14.28 and 22.78 for forward speeds of 1.5 and 2.5 km / h, respectively. The depth of the drilling is increased from 14 to 22 cm. The percentage of potato tubers raised increased from 70.92 to 97.25% respectively. The depth of drilling is increased from 14 to 22 cm. Total damaged tubers decreased from 8.36% to 0.49%. Where the index of potato damage decreased from 43.75 to 2.21 with an increase in depth of drilling from 14 to 22 cm. The study also found that there was no significant effect of the sieve chain capacitance on tuber lift. The tubers raised were 85.34% and 89.65% for 20 and 25 mm. respectively. The study found that the maximum tuber lift rate is 99.10% at a front speed of 1.5 km / h with a depth of 22 and 25 mm screening range. The percentage of total damaged tubers was 0.60%. Potato damage index was 3.40 for potatoes, 16.53 tons / fed. While the percentage of total tubers damaged 0.04% of potato productivity of 16.97 tons / fed at a speed of forward 2 km / h with a depth of drilling of 22 cm and the capacity of the screening series 25 mm. In these operating factors. Potato damage index was 0.04. Tubing rate was 97.02% as a result of this study. The following operating factors are recommended: Forward speed to 2.5 km / h. Drilling depth 22 cm. The sieve chain capacity is 25 mm.