An evaluation of devices for reducing dry bean harvesting losses

Abstract

A preliminary evaluation of three concepts for reducing dry bean harvest (gathering) losses and a more detailed field evaluation of the air-jet guard concept were completed in 1992. Preliminary concept evaluations included the effectiveness of the air reel as a harvest aid, the feasibility of stripping bean pods and seed from the plant, and the effectiveness of three crop lifters under field test conditions. Field testing of the air-jet guard concept was undertaken at six commercial pinto bean sites in Saskatchewan. The air-jet guards did not reduce gathering losses below ten percent, which is considered the minimum acceptable commercial loss level. Losses were variable, but averaged 460 kg/ha (410 lbs/acre). The variability encountered during field testing was investigated by collecting plant samples from each site to determine moisture content. Plant height measurements for the samples were obtained using image processing.