Influence of operational properties and material’s physical characteristics on mechanical cutting properties of corn stalks

Abstract

Purpose: This work aimed at analyzing the effect of variation in selected machine factors and crop physical properties on the cutting properties of corn stalks. Method: Corn stalks on the field were simulated using 20-cm cut stalks inserted into a holding cup and held firmly using commercial clay soil. Stalks with mean moisture content of 70.05 ± 2.42%, 48.12 ± 1.19%, 28.14. ±2.02% and 18.14 ± 2.22% were subjected to cutting using three ground speeds (2.5 kmh?1, 5.0 kmh?1 and 7.5 kmh?1) and three machine speeds (30°, 45° and 60°), and the cutting properties?length of cut (LC) and length remaining in the soil (LS)?were measured with tape measure and statistically analyzed. Results: Variations in moisture content significantly affected the LC and LS. The 48.12 ± 1.19% stalks produced the lowest LC and LS followed by the 18.14 ± 2.22%. There was a significant difference in the means of the LS and LC when the ground speeds were varied with 2.5 kmh?1 speed producing the lowest LC and LS. Also, increase in machine speed decreases the LS and LC with the 2230 rpm producing the lowest LC and LS. The 45° and 60° oblique angles produced better LC and LS with 45° being the ideal blade angle for effective LC and LS production. Conclusion: From the study, stalks with 48.12 ± 1.19% moisture content, ground and machine speeds of 2.5kmh?1 and 2230 rpm respectively, and 45° angle blade are ideal for producing good levels of LC and LS in corn stalk processing. ? 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery.