Using state-of-the-art technology, a well-maintained combine harvester operated effectively in a mature crop, can attain clean grain recoveries of 99 % – a remarkable achievement! Work rates in excess of one hectare (10 000 m 2 ) per hour are readily achievable with two operators, one to drive the combine, the other to drive a tractor-trailer or a truck into which the combine periodically empties its grain for transportation to the farm granary or direct to the local grain merchant or storage facility.
The mechanization of farming practices throughout the world has revolutionized food production, enabling it to maintain pace with population growth except in some less developed countries, most notably in Africa.
All of the foregoing technological advances have been critically dependent on the availability of an abundant and economic supply of fossil fuels including diesel fuel for on-farm tractors and self-propelled machines; and natural gas, heavy fuel oil and coal for off-farm electricity generation.In the meantime, it is imperative that human and animal powered mechanization is made as efficient and attractive as possible to eliminate some of the drudgery associated with it. Substantial investment in research and development by industry, industry and international agencies is required to achieve this goal. For example, it has been proposed that state-of-the-art precision farming technologies could be integrated with animal powered mechanization to enhance land productivity through precise application of crop nutrients and environmentally sensitive tillage systems.
- Category
- Tractor & Machinery
