Sensors connection for yield determination on round balers with variable chamber

Abstract

Kroulík M., Mašek J., Kvíz Z., Jošt B., Prošek V., 2011. Sensors connection for yield determination on round balers with variable chamber. Res. Agr. Eng., 57: 51-55.The main aim of this article is to present a technical solution for straw and forage yield mapping when using round balers with variable chamber for harvest. The yield measurement is based on monitoring of instantaneous position of a tension roller mechanism for press chamber circular belt. Wheat straw was harvested -baled, during our trial measurements. The acreage of the trial field was 12 ha. Calibration of the measuring system showed a strong dependence of the tension roller position on the amount of pressed straw (R 2 = 0.99). Geostatistical evaluation confirms a spatial relationship of measured data sets with a moderate spatial dependence. Finally, yield map of straw was created.Keywords: forage crops; straw; throughtput; yield; yield mapping; round balerYield mapping is one of the basic elements of precision agriculture system. Different sensors and systems which are mounted directly on harvesters are commonly used for yield mapping nowadays. Concretely for straw and forage yield mapping, the sensors are placed on mowing machines or forage choppers. Another possibility could be weighing of the whole harvester or transport machine such as pick-up balers or wagons. This idea is very simple but the practical application brings together technical and organisational problems. Wheeler et al. (1997) described basic yield measuring system requirements for crops yield mapping which was based on continuous weighing of wagons. Goodwin et al. (1999) continued in this research which was based on continuous weighing of wagons together with GPS (Global Positioning System) -wagon position monitoring. Another idea for yield mapping during forage crops harvest is based on the similar principle but it is adapted for pick-up balers. Behme et al. (1997) and Aurenhammer (1997, 1999) developed this measuring system. The system was based on load measurement of the machine axle by means of strain gauges. The whole system could be completed with GPS receiver in order to create yield maps. Weighing during the time when the machine was stationary was very precise, but in the case of working and moving across a field, the

Comparing the Quality of Round Balers Work

“…There is a direct correlation between bale density, moisture and its diameter. The next development step is the creation of systems to control all these parameters, while generating the yield mapping (Kroulík et al, 2010).…”

Method of justification of the grain cleaning assembly performance

“…The sophisticated and expensive harvesting and grain cleaning process requires an alignment of all the process links (Läänemets 2011;Pexa 2011;Akbarnia 2014). The hourly performance of the harvesting complex can vary throughout a day within a wide range and depends on the main natural and production factors, such as: technical condition of combine harvesters, transport support, crop yield, grain particle size and moisture content (Pugachev 1983;Kroulík et al 2011;Risius et al 2017). The variability of the total hourly performance of combine harvesters throughout a day poses special requirements to justification of the grain cleaning assembly performance.…”