Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
9/6/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mark Hanna, Ag and Biosystems Engineering Extension, (515) 294-0468, hmhanna@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Time to Check the Combine
Ames, IA -- It is time for farmers to review the harvest equipment set up checklist according to Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension ag engineer. A top priority on the checklist is the distribution of crop residue. "Even distribution of crop residue during harvest is a critical step in stopping soil erosion until next year's crop establishes a canopy," says Hanna.
"Getting the combine set up for even distribution of crop residue is just the beginning of harvest, but it's an important task. Other than right out of the combine, there's really no easy way to get residue distributed," says Hanna. "Any residue -- straw, chaff, even fine material -- can reduce erosion by stopping rain splash erosion, slowing and trapping runoff, and allowing for better water infiltration. But it has to be in place to work. And the added benefit of doing a good job spreading straw and chaff is that it can minimize the amount of tillage needed next year."
Hanna says that changes in equipment have made harvest more efficient, but also present new challenges. Newer grain platforms up to 30 feet in width are more likely to concentrate material in a narrow swath behind the machine. "Combine operators should consider redirecting or increasing airflow from the combine's chopper to spread lighter particles farther. Refer to the operator's manual or ask your implement dealer about getting as even distribution as possible from your machine," advises Hanna.
"Corn residue is usually heavier and most corn heads do a good job of chewing up the stalks and dropping them back in place. But the challenge is greater in soybeans, where the entire plant goes through the combine and residue becomes fragile."
Combine operators should also pay attention to the height of the crop stubble left in the field. Crop stubble protects the soil by limiting exposure to wind and water erosion and trapping snow through fall, winter and early spring. Soybeans need to be cut near the ground to avoid grain loss, but operating the corn head higher leaves more stubble and fewer stalks run through the machine.
Hanna also says that some combine operators will have special problems to deal with this year. "Storms and wind have made lodged corn or 'goose-necked stalks' commonplace in some areas as stalks try to right themselves. Harvest may be far slower and more frustrating and residue distribution more complicated as more of the plant goes through the combine."
Some areas of the state have been very dry -- and the crops range from poor to dead. "If you are combining 'through' these areas (they are confined to small parts of the field), try to leave as much stalk as possible since there won't be much residue.
Dry weather also raises the prospect of fires. Chaff and husks are like kindling. Hanna advises farmers to clean machines after operation -- every time. "Some farmers use a portable leaf blower. Clean the heat-generating parts of the combine and carry a good fire extinguisher and cellular phone."
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Funding support provided by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service through Cooperative Agreement No. 74-6114-0-2.
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