A Sampling Unit Attachment for a Head-feeding Combine Harvester to Monitor Grain Quality

Abstract

We have developed a sampling unit for use during combine harvesting to efficiently collect grain samples for later analysis of grain quality. Its suitability was investigated.
The effects of winnowing on the state of grain diffusion in the grain tank were determined by placing a collection plate with sampling cups inside the grain tank. The physiochemical characteristics of the samples that would be collected were close to the average of those of the other grains.
The influences of tailings return were determined by using the developed unit during ordinary harvesting. The collected samples were compared with samples manually harvested at the corresponding locations. The root mean square error for protein content of samples collected by the developed system was 0.35. It was suited for monitoring grain quality variability.