Key Points:
- Harvest losses are large, typically greater than 500 kg/ha; and in some trials greater than1000 kg/ha. Low losses were also recorded at some locations, with losses of 200 kg/ha. The data highlights some important trends.
- Windrowing may have advantages in dry seasons and in areas not prone to wind; but in wetter harvest years’ windrows take longer to dry than disc mown swaths.
- Losses are greatest at the divide on most mowers/windrowers, therefore wider machines may reduce overall loss.
- Increasing Moddus rate and reducing lodging did not increase harvest losses.
- Cutting with dew on the crop, or irrigating with 5 mm to ensure the crop is damp at mowing may reduce losses.