Calculating losses in the corn harvest: how to measure and avoid losses?

Minimizing waste is one of the great demands of the Agro segment, especially among grain producers. Therefore, the calculation of losses in the corn harvest makes all the difference to identify the failures that can affect the gains of your crop.

For you to have an idea, it is possible to lose up to 8% of the harvested product, and the tolerable levels are up to 1.5 bag/ha wasted in the millet segment. The data are from a publication of the blog Lavoura 10.

But after all, how do you calculate how much has been lost? What are the factors that most contribute to these losses and what is the ideal way to minimize them? Learn the most important details on the subject in this article.

How to calculate corn harvest losses?

Calculating corn crop losses is relatively simple, but it is critical for determining the need for improvements in your field processes. It should be done soon after the grain is harvested. The steps are as follows:

Make a template

First, make a sample area. To do this, set up a wire or wooden template. It should have the width of the harvester and a recommended length of half a meter. If the harvester is 5 meters long, for example, the area will be 2.5 m² (0.5m × 5m).

Take the sample in the field

Mark out the area on the ground in the band that the harvester has passed (in our example it is 2.5 m²). Then, collect all the grains that are within this delimited area, place them in a container and weigh them.

Perform the calculation

With the weight of grain lost, measure the average loss for 1 hectare. This calculation is done using a simple “Rule of 3”. Imagine, for example, that the weight of the corn on the frame was 12g. The representation would look like this

• 12g – 2,5 m²

X – 10,000m²

• X = 10,000 x 12 =120,000 / 2.5 = 48,000g
• Therefore, the estimated loss is 48kg per hectare

Determine if the loss in corn harvest is acceptable

As mentioned in the introduction, the acceptable limit of waste is 1.5 bag/ha. Considering that a bag of corn is 60 kg, it means that the observed losses are totally acceptable and do not require any correction measures.

On the other hand, if the calculation of losses in the corn harvest shows deviations greater than the equivalent of one and a half sacks, it is a warning sign. If you observe this situation in your crop, see below what the possible reasons are and how to correct them.

What are the main causes of losses and how to minimize them?

As you know, several factors can generate losses for earthworm growers. In pre-harvest, this is more related to adverse weather conditions and lack of environmental control. Post-harvest, on the other hand, there may be transport losses or poor storage conditions.

However, when we talk about calculating losses in the corn harvest, we are referring to the adversities capable of generating losses at the time the grain is being harvested.

In this respect, one of the main problems may lie in the regulation of the harvesters. The speed at which they operate is also important. The ideal is 4 to 6 km/h, both to prevent grain loss and to maintain grain quality.

So if your calculation of corn harvest losses is too high, start by making sure that the machine is properly adjusted for the type of crop you work with.

Training the operators to harvest at the right speed is also very important, as well as the recurrent adjustment and maintenance of the machinery, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and assistance.

Finally, as important as knowing the calculation of losses in corn harvesting, is to invest in robust technologies, certified and planned for the demands of the field. Get to know the differentials of Robustec Roll On-Roll Off equipment and find out how our quality can impact the precision and profitability of your crops!