COTTON HARVEST PREPARATION USING THERMAL ENERGY

摘要

Cotton is prepared for mechanical harvest using desiccant and defoliant chemicals. Conventional chemical defoliation is not effective immediately, it requires a period of good weather, and it is restricted in organic production. Thermal defoliation may be an alternative to chemical defoliation if it does not harm the crop. This study was conducted to determine what impact thermal defoliation has on fiber value, yield, and gross returns. A thermal defoliation machine that used propane to heat treatment air was tested on several varieties at various locations in three states over two years. A mixed statistical model was used to compare thermal defoliation to conventional chemical defoliation and harvesting two or three days after treatment to harvesting two or three weeks after treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in yield or value between treatments or harvest dates. Thermal defoliation does not negatively impact fiber value or yield, and thermally defoliated cotton may be harvested early without reducing gross returns