MONITORAMENTO DAS PERDAS NA COLHEITA MECANIZADA DA SOJA (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate losses in mechanized soybean harvesting. It was carried
out in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with two harvesters called A and B and two population densities. The biometric
collection of the crop included plant height, height of insertion of the first pod, cutting height, number of pods
per plant and number of grains per pod. Losses were evaluated pre-harvest and post-harvest. All seeds and pods
that fell on the soil were collected inside a square frame, built with wooden stakes and nylon thread, measuring
0.5 m x 0.5 m. To determine pre-harvest losses, the frame was placed in front of the harvester and, after harvest,
at a random point on the machine's trail to collect loose grains and pods. The results show that the biometric data
were standardized in both fields. The samples collected in the harvester tanks for analysis indicated that both
harvested with high moisture content. It was concluded that, despite being older, harvester A was more efficient
in controlling grain losses, approaching the national average compared to harvester B.