Wheat harvesting is a very complex process that requires good preparation and a lot of time. If the dried grain remains in the field for too long, the wind and storms destroy it; once dry, if it gets wet due to rain and then dries up again, the wheat will become of poor quality. The job also requires the use of a combine harvester - a heavy machine that must be learned to drive and operate with great care. One person can harvest the harvest with the combine harvester, but working a large field often requires a team of several workers using multiple machines and trucks.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Measure the moisture level of the wheat
This value determines when the cereal is ready to be harvested. When sowing in spring or winter, the wheat is recovered in the summer months; moisture content is the key factor that determines the exact time to proceed.
- To find the humidity level, use a grain-specific tool that you can purchase at agricultural supply stores.
- Wheat is ready when it has a moisture content between 14 and 20%.
Step 2. Do all necessary maintenance to ensure that the combine harvester runs smoothly
Consult the user manual to make sure the machine meets the specific requirements.
- Make sure the cutting tool is sharp for best results.
- Inspect the harvest header height and profile controls.
- Grease each component following the instructions in the manual to make sure it works perfectly.
Step 3. Check the mechanisms that bring the grain to the beater thoroughly to make sure they are working properly
They may look tough, but they can break if not properly maintained.
- Check chains and bars by replacing broken, worn or bent ones.
- Examine the drive belt to make sure there are no cracks, and if so, replace it.
Step 4. Inspect the equipment each time you use it
Get in the habit of doing this on time to reduce the chances of forgetting any details.
- Check the tire pressure at least once a week;
- Remember to fill up with fuel before harvesting;
- Inspect the radiator fluid and oil levels often;
- Remove dust, debris, soil and anything that could cause problems during the harvest;
- Don't forget to check the lights and turn signals, especially if you have to travel on public roads.
Part 2 of 3: Harvest
Step 1. Adjust the height of the harvester header to match that of the grain
You should make sure that he can harvest as many ears as possible, while minimizing that of the straw.
- Make sure there is 20-30cm of stubble left in the field to retain soil moisture.
- Be prepared to constantly adjust the height of the harvester header based on how the height of the wheat varies. This value determines the cutting point of the machine and you have to modify it as needed.
- If you notice that you are collecting a lot of straw, lift the header slightly.
Step 2. Change the relative speed of the reel with respect to the ground to avoid losing products during work
Too fast a movement crushes the wheat or cuts it incorrectly; on the contrary, an excessively slow movement causes the cereal to fall to the ground or does not direct it into the machine as it should.
- Look behind the combine harvester to make sure you don't lose any grain; in that case, you have to slow down the relative speed of the reel.
- Consult the manual of the machine to know the optimal settings and reduce product waste.
Step 3. Set cylinder or beater speed to minimum to achieve good threshing and minimize seed damage
This value must be changed according to the conditions of the crop; threshing is the phase of separating the seed from the straw.
- A slower speed ensures greater seed integrity.
- Finding the correct cylinder rotation speed is a trial and error process; be prepared to make several corrections in the field.
Step 4. Set the concave to be as wide as possible to aid threshing
This detail, together with the speed of the cylinder, ensures that no beans are lost during separation.
- The space between the beater and the concave must be such as to prevent the cereal from being crushed and depends on the characteristics of the crop; if the grains break, increase the distance.
- The combine harvester automatically separates and transfers the grain into the hopper.
Step 5. Adjust the ear cleaning system, consisting of a sieve and vibrating screens, so that the distance between the elements is not too large or too small
Refer to the machine's user manual.
The large volumes of ears impose a greater distance between the screens
Step 6. Set up the fan
Make sure it is not active at too low a speed, otherwise the grain will not be able to pass through the screen and fall into the collection auger; if the fan runs at excessive speed, it blows the beans out of the cleaning zone.
- The speed of the fan allows you to get rid of the moist husk but at the same time makes you lose some product.
- It is best to start with a higher power and gradually reduce it if necessary.
Step 7. Pay attention to what is happening around you
To get a good harvest you need to be fully aware of how the machine interacts with the grain; be prepared to change settings, such as fan speed, as you work.
If you notice that there is a lot of grain left on the ground after your passage, it means that you need to change the configuration of the combine harvester
Step 8. When the machine tank is full, drop the grain into a truck using the unloading system
The operation of this system changes according to the model of the combine harvester, therefore consult the manual. You or someone else then has to drive the truck to the storage site and unload the grain onto an elevator that transfers it to a silo via a conveyor belt.
Having a driver for the truck makes the job easier, as he can transport the crop to the silos while you continue harvesting, thus improving efficiency
Part 3 of 3: Storage
Step 1. Clean the storage site
To prevent the grain from spoiling, you need to make sure the silo is clean; remember to sanitize it before and after each use.
- Sweep away old or rotted grain to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
- Spray insecticide on the inside and outside walls of the containers. Use only approved products; in this regard, consult the laws governing chemicals.
Step 2. Dry the wheat
For safe storage, you need to let it dry after the harvest is finished.
- Drying in the open air guarantees the highest quality of the product.
- You should dry it in bins, but don't fill them completely.
- Make sure that the drying temperature does not exceed 60 ° C.
Step 3. In the storage silos the temperature must be between 5 and 15 ° C
Greater heat accelerates the deterioration of the product.
- For moisture-rich grains make sure there is good ventilation at the storage site to cool them.
- Monitor the temperature and humidity using a thermometer and hygrometer.
Advice
- Always make only one change at a time while harvesting.
- Try to cut the stems all at the same height to simplify the procedure.
- Always consult the combine manual when using it to ensure proper maintenance based on the model.
- Early harvest with artificial drying has advantages and provides high quality wheat.
- An early harvest reduces the chances of damaging the grain.
- Collect the best quality wheat first.
Warnings
- If you wait too long for the harvest, you can damage the wheat.
- Wheat in a weed-infested field must be harvested last and with great care to avoid spreading the weeds to other areas.
- Harvesting wheat requires the use of heavy machinery; make sure you are able to use them with dexterity before going it alone.
- Threshing can excessively damage dry or wet seeds.
- The climate determines the time of harvest depending on whether the spring was hot or cold and humid.
