科研之友
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摘要
Greater capacity in field experimental research could be achieved by equipment that harvests high-yielding biomass energy crops within small plots. Versatility and cost-effectiveness would be enhanced if the harvester were adaptable to currently available equipment. A narrow-width biomass harvester for experimental plots was constructed to meet these objectives. The machine consists of a hydraulic drive, flail mower, support arm assembly, collection box and weighing platform, and electronic weighing system. The harvester is currently being powered with a 63.7 kW narrow specialty tractor with a 1.4-m outside tread width. The narrow tractor-flail was used to harvest 1.52-m swaths down the centers of 3.8 by 12.2 m plots of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) so that a portion of the crop remained undisturbed for other measurements. The harvester could harvest dry switchgrass yields up to 20 Mg ha(-1) in 8.8-m plots before its collection box was filled. Other grasses and forages with shape and size characteristics similar to switchgrass would also likely be accommodated. Under normal conditions, three people can harvest 12 plots (20 m long) within 1 h including weighing the biomass, emptying the harvester, and bagging samples. The harvester can be attached to a tractor and made ready for harvesting, or removed to make the tractor available for other purposes, in about 1.5 h. Cost of materials for the harvester was <$10,000.
- 出版日期2011-6
