A simple approach to estimate the yield of a range of field crops to be used through farmers and agribusiness is outlined.
Introduction
Accurate, early estimation of grain yield is an important skill. Farmers require accurate yield estimates for plenty of causes:
- Crop insurance coverage functions
- Delivery estimates
- Planning harvest and garage necessities
- Cash-flow budgeting
Extensive non-public revel in is very important for estimating yield at early levels of expansion. As crops near adulthood, it becomes more uncomplicated to estimate yield with greater accuracy.
Estimation methods
There are many strategies available for farmers and others to estimate yield of more than a few plants. Some are straightforward while others are extra complicated. The method offered in this article is one that can be undertaken relatively quickly and simply Steps are as follows:
- Select a space this is consultant of the paddock. Using some form of measuring rod/tape, measure out a space 1 meter square and depend the number of heads/pods.
- Do this five instances to get a mean of the crop.
- Count the choice of grains in a minimum of 20 heads/pods and reasonable.
- Using Table 1 beneath determine the grain weight for the crop involved and apply in the course of the calculation outlined underneath
Accuracy of yield estimates depends on an good enough collection of counts being taken to be able to get a representative average of the paddock. The yield estimate made up our minds will most effective be a guide and assumptions created from the estimates contain a degree of uncertainty.
This type of yield estimation is one of the perfect and fastest to finish and should be capable of be utilized in various eventualities on a grain rising property. Grain losses both before and all over harvest can be important and an allowance for 5-10 in step with cent loss should be incorporated to your final calculations.
Table 1: Grain weights expressed as weight in step with 100 grains.
| Crop type | Weight of 100 grains (in grams) |
| Canola | 0.4 |
| Wheat | 3.4 |
| Lentils | 3.0-5.0 |
| Safflower | 3.8 |
| Oats & triticale | 4 |
| Barley | 4.2 |
| Lupin (narrow leaf) | 16 |
| Chickpea (desi) | 18 |
| Field pea | 20 |
| Lupin (broad leaf) | 30 |
| Chickpea(kabuli) | 40 |
| Faba bean | 50 |
Methodology for estimating wheat yield
| Number of heads/pods per square meter | (A) | Example | 220 |
| Average number of grains per head/pod | (B) | Example | 24 |
| Number of grains per square metre = AxB | (C) | Example | = 220 x 24 = 5280 |
| Yield per square meter = C/100 x 3.4gms | (D) | Example | = 5280/100 x 3.4 = 179.52gms |
| Yield in t/ha = D/100 | Example | = 179.52/100 = 1.79t/ha |
The same method can be used for any other grain crop as long as you choose the correct seed weight from Table 1.
The basis behind this method for estimating yields is the counting of heads or pods per square meter.
