The effect soil moisture on grain losses of harvesting paddy in mechanization: case study / Amir Hamzah Ahmad

The effect of paddy fields soil moisture on grain loss in mechanized rice harvesting were assessed in 1 ha of paddy field area located in Sawah Kundang, Telok Rimba, Sungai Mati, Ledang, Johor. Total of 25 randomized samples from 5 blocks were assessed in this study. An average of soil moisture content and grain loss for each blocks were measured. The findings of study give indicate that there is a positive strong relationship between paddy fields soil moisture on grain loss. The recommended soil moisture contents was 16.42% since at this level of moisture content, the grain loss is 0.99% or recorded as the lowest amount of losses. Such as grain loss only contributes to harvesting losses of RM 11.88/ha. Meanwhile, increasing paddy fields soil moisture at 21.69% have lead 1.35% of grain loss, which is considered as the largest amount of losses in this study. With this amount of grain loss, the harvesting losses increased up to RM 16.20/ha. A simple mathematical model was also successfully developed through this study. To reduce grain loss in mechanized harvesting, the farmers should maintain well-drainage or water management in their paddy field before the harvesting process commences.