Abstract
We investigated the effect of tedding-less operation during sun drying process on yield, on collection efficiency for the rice straw, and on total cost of bioethanol production. The moisture content of tedding-less straw had fallen to around 20% by drying for 50 days, almost the same as that of tedded straw after rainfall during drying. Tedding accounted for 12% to 27% of the total operation time. In its absence, the cost of straw collection decreased with the yield, while the operation time was linearly increased with the yield. We concluded that the tedding could be omitted during straw drying in area like a tested field, Kanto district, Japan. The tedding-less operation can contribute to the reduction of total cost for the bioethanol production from straw.
