Modelling the effect of some operational parameters on grain loss in mechanised rice harvesting: a case study in Malaysian paddy fields

Excessive grain loss is still a persistence problem in mechanised rice harvesting using combine harvester in Malaysian paddy fields. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a model for predicting the effect of some operational parameters on grain loss during mechanised harvesting operation. Three operational parameters that always associated with grain loss were measured through direct field measurements on the daily harvesting operations in the sampled rice granaries. The measured parameters included field speed of combine harvester, grain moisture, and soil moisture contents. Regression and correlation analyses were employed to develop the model estimation. The results of the predictive model exposed the fitted model with a strong relationship between associated variables and established the measured parameters to determine the grain loss. The findings would be beneficial in assisting the rice farmers to predict grain loss during harvesting and minimise excessive grain loss in mechanised harvesting operations in Malaysia.