Rape, also known as canola, is a valuable crop that offers low production costs, high economic returns, and soil improvement benefits. However, its manual harvesting is labor-intensive and difficult, which has limited large-scale adoption. To address this challenge, mechanical harvesting methods have been developed, offering more efficient and effective ways to collect the crop.
There are two main approaches to mechanical harvesting: combined harvesting and staged harvesting. In combined harvesting, a single machine performs cutting, threshing, separation of stalks, and cleaning in one pass. For staged harvesting, the crop is first cut manually or with a cutter and left in the field for 5–7 days to dry before being harvested by a combine harvester. This method helps reduce losses and improves overall efficiency.
The combined harvesting process involves several steps: crew preparation, field preparation, trial cutting, normal operation, unit maintenance, and storage. Key technical requirements include ensuring that the rape is 85–90% mature, the cutting height meets local agronomic standards, and the stems are broken and evenly spread after harvest.
For manual harvesting, the process includes cutting, placing, natural drying, picking, threshing, and cleaning. The optimal time for manual harvesting is when the rape is about 80% mature, followed by 5 days of drying. If the maturity exceeds 90%, a combine harvester should be used, with the stems properly broken and spread.
Timing is crucial for successful mechanical harvesting. Harvesting too early or too late can lead to losses. The best time is during early morning, late afternoon, or on cloudy days. Avoid harvesting during midday when temperatures are high, as this can cause the crop to shatter and increase waste.
When using a combine harvester, it's important to adjust settings based on the crop's maturity and environmental conditions. The machine's speed should be moderate, and the picking wheel rotation speed should be reduced to minimize damage. Adjustments to the drum speed, sieve openings, and wind settings help optimize performance and reduce losses.
Agronomic practices also play a key role in facilitating mechanical harvesting. Proper planting arrangements, staggered sowing dates, and chemical ripening techniques can ensure uniform maturity, making the harvest more efficient. Field layouts should be designed to accommodate machinery movement, and pre-harvest preparations like ditching and weed control help reduce damage.
Operators must be trained to handle the machinery safely and efficiently. They should conduct trial cuts before full-scale harvesting, monitor the machine’s performance, and make necessary adjustments. Post-harvest cleaning and proper storage of the equipment are essential to maintain its longevity.
In terms of performance metrics, modern rapeseed combine harvesters typically achieve a total loss rate of less than 8%, an impurity rate below 6%, and a broken rate under 0.5%. These figures reflect improvements in technology and better agronomic practices.
Economically, mechanical harvesting significantly increases efficiency, reducing labor needs and boosting productivity. It allows for faster and more consistent harvests, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the agricultural sector.
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