An Optimization Study on Corn Silage Mechanization in Ege University Agricultural Research Farm

Özet

One of the biggest challenges in forage mechanization is optimizing the productionchain. As the main goal in forage production is finishing the process in a short time, optimizationbecomes a very important factor. There are many ideas and methods for optimization. Some ofthem focuses on logistics and some on compaction. But the majority concentrates on theharverster as it is the most important element and of course the most valued machinery. Thepower of the forage harvester effects all the elements in the production chain (logistics, compactionand labour). In this study the data obtained from the practical field conditions were optimized andevaluated in order to point out the difference between the planned and unplanned production. Thestudy took place in the corn fields of Ege University Agricultural Faculty Research Farm inMenemen. There were 7 fields which individally analysied in means of size, shape, labour, distanceto compaction site and machinery used. The study revealed the economic aspects of practicalproduction and produced 2 scenerios one of which was well optimized and the other is disoptimizedand had worse conditions than the practical work. The optimized production proved that there weresignificant waste of fuel, time and labour force. Especially the extensive use of fuel means more“CO2” emissions in the environment and having negative effect in means of the global warming.The result showed that it is not possible to produce economic and quality forage feed without adetailed optimization. It is also important to follow the aspects of this optimized production in thepractical condition which only can be done together with experienced labour and well maintanedmachinery.