Mechanical Properties of Sorghum (S. bicolor) in Relation to Harvesting

Mechanical properties of cereal crops are crucial for designing effective harvesting mechanisms. This study determined the cutting energy and forces of sorghum stalk using pendulum impact experimental test rig for various stalk diameters (10, 15, 20 and 25 mm) and cutting velocities (4.5, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 m/s). Results indicated that cutting energy ranged from 3.40 J at a blade velocity of 7.5 m/s to 26.91J at a blade cutting velocity of 4.5 m/s for a 25 mm sorghum stalk diameter. A maximum cutting force of 1076.53 N was recorded at the blade's cutting velocity of 4.5 m/s for the 25mm stalk diameter. However, minimum cutting energy was 340.7 N at blade's cutting velocity of 7.5 m/s for a10 mm sorghum stalk diameter. Cutting forces and blade velocities had a linear relationship. These findings serve as a basis for designing effective and cutting mechanism for sorghum harvesters.