Reducing the Time and Labor Needed to Harvest a Field
Potatoes are a volatile crop. A seamless operation is even more crucial for potato growers than it is for producers of other crop types because of temperature and weather sensitivity as well as a limited harvest and storage window. Harvesting is a critical step, as it directly affects the quantity and quality of the final product.
To make informed harvesting and post-harvest decisions, potato yield and quality can be precisely and accurately measured utilizing GPS-based yield mapping and optical sensing devices (e.g., yield mapping system). This device gives farmers real-time data on the size, shape, and color of the potato. This technology can also be used to monitor plant development and health, as well as detect and diagnose problems.
Temperature and humidity sensors (e.g., hygrometer, thermometer, and temperature and humidity data logger) are crucial in potato storage. These sensors enable farmers to monitor and adjust the storage conditions of their crops, ensuring that they remain at optimal levels for preservation. Predictive models can also be used to estimate the best storage conditions depending on variables such as temperature, humidity, and potato age.
“Controlled atmosphere storage is a modern technique that allows farmers to store potatoes under modified atmospheric conditions, which reduces spoilage and extends their shelf life. Radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems (e.g., alien technology squiggle-ER4001, Impinj Monza R6-P, NXP UCODE G2iL, and Avery Dennison AD-246) are increasingly being used in potato production to improve supply chain management and reduce food waste. RFID tags can be attached to individual potatoes, allowing farmers to track their location, quality, and storage conditions at every stage of the supply chain. This information can then be used to improve decision-making and optimize the entire production process,” Ahmad Uzair and Sharma Lakesh, from the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystems Sciences, University of Florida, mentioned.
GPS-based Yield Mapping Helps Optimizing the Potato Harvesting Process
Crop yield maps are produced using a method called GPS-based yield mapping. The yield maps give a visual picture of how potato yield is distributed over a field. By empowering farmers to choose the best time and place to harvest potatoes, this knowledge helps to maximize the potato harvesting procedure. To save the time and effort needed to harvest the entire field, farmers can, for instance, utilize yield maps to identify the parts of the field with the highest yield and target these regions first for harvest.
“One of the key benefits of GPS-based yield mapping is the accuracy and precision of the yield data.
Unlike traditional yield estimation methods, GPS-based yield mapping provides an objective measurement of the yield, reducing the potential for human error and inconsistencies. This leads to more accurate yield estimates, which can be used to optimize the potato harvesting process and improve overall productivity. In addition to improving the efficiency of the potato harvesting process, GPS-based yield mapping can also be used to monitor crop performance over time.
You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 3 of Potato Business Dossier 2023, which you can access by clicking here.
