1 APD, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal-462038 (M.P.).
2 SPU, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal-462038 (M.P.). (E-mail:
* Corresponding author (E-mail: sukdev@ciae.mp.nic.in)
The wheat straw left in the field after grain combine was retrieved using the DASMESH-84l straw reaper, hitched to a tractor and operated at an average speed of 2.64 km/h with 1910 mm effective width of operation. The reaper performance was assessed in terms of the size of chopped straw recovered and cut stubbles left in the field. Average height of cut stubbles was 48 mm above the ground. About 96% of the total mass passing through the straw reaper was chopped into lengths of < 50mm and only 4% of the mass was > 50 mm long. In the unchopped straw 94% were > 50mm long and this difference was visually noticeable in the field. The loose straw and stubbles left on the field was estimated to be 581g/sq.m (5.81 t/ha) out of which the straw harvester could recover 3.02 t/ha (52%) and recovered wheat grain amounting to 22 kg/ha. These amounted to a revenue generation of Rs. 2408 from wheat straw (bhusa) and grain recovered. The tractor energy use was 591 MJ/ha and the operation cost was Rs. 755/ha at effective field capacity and field efficiency of 0.34 hath and 67.4%, respectively. The net income was estimated to be Rs. 1653/ha. Therefore, instead of burning of straw in the field, retrieval, of straw by mechanized harvesting after grain combining is a better option. The chopped straw may be used for use as cattle feed.
