harvesting
Quick Summary
Harvesting is the process of collecting a crop or natural resource for human use. This can involve various methods, such as picking, gathering, or reaping. In agriculture, specialized machinery is often used to efficiently harvest different types of crops.1
For cereal grains, reapers cut the stalks, and threshers separate the seeds. Modern combines perform all these tasks in one operation. Corn is harvested by mechanical pickers that remove ears from the stalk, while cotton harvesters strip bolls. Hay and forage are handled by machines like mowers, windrowers, and balers.2
Root crops are gathered using diggers, and tobacco harvesting involves specialized aids depending on the curing method. Tree crops can be harvested by hand or with mechanical shakers. While many fruits and vegetables are still picked by hand, mechanization is increasing to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.23
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cocoaHarvestingHarvesting of cocoa beans can proceed all year, but the bulk of the crop is gathered in two flush periods occurring from October to February and from May to August. The ripe seed pods are cut from the trees and split open with machetes.…
Read MoreHarvesting of cocoa beans can proceed all year, but the bulk of the crop is gathered in two flush periods occurring from October to February and from May to August. The ripe seed pods are cut from the trees and split open with machetes.…
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wineHarvestingFresh and fully ripened wine grapes are preferred as raw material for wine making. In cool climates, as in northern Europe and the eastern United States, however, lack of sufficient heat to produce ripening may necessitate harvesting the grapes before they reach full maturity.…
Read MoreFresh and fully ripened wine grapes are preferred as raw material for wine making. In cool climates, as in northern Europe and the eastern United States, however, lack of sufficient heat to produce ripening may necessitate harvesting the grapes before they reach full maturity.…
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sugarSugar beet harvest and deliverySugar beets are grown in temperate areas of Europe, North America, and northern Asia. They are harvested from September through November, almost always by multirow harvester machines. The machines remove some dirt, the leaves, and sometimes the crown (depending on the contract…
Read MoreSugar beets are grown in temperate areas of Europe, North America, and northern Asia. They are harvested from September through November, almost always by multirow harvester machines. The machines remove some dirt, the leaves, and sometimes the crown (depending on the contract…
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sugarCane harvesting and deliverySugarcane is generally harvested in the cooler months of the year, although it is harvested year-round in Cuba, the Philippines, Colombia, and other prime areas. As much as two-thirds of the world’s cane crop is harvested by hand, using long machetes. Since…
Read MoreSugarcane is generally harvested in the cooler months of the year, although it is harvested year-round in Cuba, the Philippines, Colombia, and other prime areas. As much as two-thirds of the world’s cane crop is harvested by hand, using long machetes. Since…
Read More- vegetable farmingHarvesting
The stage of development of vegetables when harvested affects the quality of the product reaching the consumer. In some vegetables, such as the bean and pea, optimum quality is reached well in advance of full maturity and then deteriorates, although yield continues to increase.…
Read MoreThe stage of development of vegetables when harvested affects the quality of the product reaching the consumer. In some vegetables, such as the bean and pea, optimum quality is reached well in advance of full maturity and then deteriorates, although yield continues to increase.…
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vegetable processingHarvesting and storingMost leafy vegetables that do not require harvesting by mechanical device are cooled immediately after harvest to remove field heat, sorted to remove debris, washed to remove dirt, and bundled or packed for shipping and retail. In most cases vegetables are bundled…
Read MoreMost leafy vegetables that do not require harvesting by mechanical device are cooled immediately after harvest to remove field heat, sorted to remove debris, washed to remove dirt, and bundled or packed for shipping and retail. In most cases vegetables are bundled…
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woodHarvesting of woodHarvesting of wood differs radically from harvesting of other crops. The yearly growth of each individual tree cannot be detached from the living plant. Rather, new wood is added inseparably to preexisting growth until the entire tree is harvested, after a…
Read MoreHarvesting of wood differs radically from harvesting of other crops. The yearly growth of each individual tree cannot be detached from the living plant. Rather, new wood is added inseparably to preexisting growth until the entire tree is harvested, after a…
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