Avoid damage during potato transfer! Comparison of fall protection systems

摘要

Different fall protection systems were tested with 50 tubers of cv. Santana, falling 2 m into a trailer. The best result, measured with a discolouration index, was found with a combination of fall breaker (rubber strips) and fall mat system (95% less damage compared to control). The different fall mat systems tested (Deroo, Ekipac and Deprez) reduced damage by 80-85% and the tarpaulin system (Stopshock) reduced damage by 70%. The fall breaker, when used alone, only reduced damage in 65% of potatoeswhen placed at 1.0 m height and 45% when placed at 1.3 m height. Another sampling was done in the different layers (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm) of the potato pile. The highest protection % was found in the lowest layers. When the pile reached the heightof the fall protection, it had no more protection effect. The combination fall breaker and mat showed again the best results in all layers (85% at 20 cm and 40% at 100 cm). An economic calculation with a simple fall protection system (costing 500 EURO) resulting in 3% better potato quality showed break-even of the investment at 230 t potatoes or 4.5 ha of potatoes.