Subtopic: Calculation of performance parameters – field capacity, efficiency, performance index, application rate and losses
Question Statement:
In evaluating the performance of a combine harvester in a wheat field yielding $4000\text{ kg/ha}$, the loss assessment yielded: header shatter loss of $60\text{ kg/ha}$, straw walker rack loss of $40\text{ kg/ha}$, and cleaning shoe loss of $20\text{ kg/ha}$. Pre-harvest natural shatter loss was $30\text{ kg/ha}$. The combine machine loss (excluding pre-harvest loss) expressed as a percentage of total crop yield is ________ (answer in integer).
Answer Key:
3
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
1. Total combine machine loss:
$\text{Loss}_{\text{machine}} = \text{Header Loss} + \text{Walker Loss} + \text{Shoe Loss}$
$\text{Loss}_{\text{machine}} = 60 + 40 + 20 = 120\text{ kg/ha}$
2. Machine loss percentage based on total crop yield:
$\%\text{ Machine Loss} = \frac{\text{Loss}_{\text{machine}}}{\text{Yield}} \times 100 = \frac{120}{4000} \times 100 = 3.0\%$