Monitoring cane yield by measuring mass flow rate through the harvester

This paper reports the development of a low-cost mass flowrate sensor to enable the measurement of the yield of sugar cane while it is being harvested. The sensor is based on the measurement of hydraulic pressures, oil flow rates and speed signals. The data obtained from these sensors were used to determine the power consumption, in both the elevator and chopper systems of a harvester, as differing quantities of cane were harvested in a field. The error of yield measurement was approximately 2%, and gave a linear correlation with the yield determined by use of a calibrated weigh truck. Once the calibration was established, a yield map was constructed for a portion of a field and showed significant variation of yield with position in the field. It is anticipated that yield maps would allow more economic field management including the reduced use of fertilisers.