Optimization of Pickup Parameters for Flax Retted Straw Formation

Climatic characteristics, particularly temperature and ambient humidity, significantly affect the qualitative and quantitative indicators of flax production and fibre formation. Conventional technologies for obtaining flax fibre are based on natural dew retting, the efficiency of which depends on atmospheric moisture. The decrease in air humidity during summer periods due to climate change complicates the biological processes involved in the transformation of flax stems into retted straw. A separate harvesting technology involving low cutting of stems and their placement into windrows has been proposed to utilize productive soil moisture during retting and to accelerate seed harvesting. During field laying, windrows change their geometric parameters, become denser, and increase adhesion both between stems and with the soil surface, which requires periodic lifting and loosening. This paper presents the results of field experimental studies conducted using a developed experimental picker to determine rational structural and technological parameters based on a four-factor experimental design. Changes in windrow geometry and their interaction with the working elements of the picker were analysed. Optimal parameters of the picker for flax retting preparation were established. The study is aimed at developing a new technical solution for flax harvesting.