Effect of Weeds on Harvesting Efficiency in Corn, Sorghum, and Soybeans

Widely varying weed densities that had been desiccated by freezing did not reduce combine efficiency (gathering plus threshing losses) in harvesting corn (Zea mays L., var. Nebraska 508), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, var. RS 610], or soybeans (Glycine max L., var. Ford). Average combine gathering losses with corn, sorghum, and soybeans were 2, 7, and 16%, respectively. Average threshing losses with the combine were less than 1% with corn and sorghum and less than 3% with soybeans. The high gathering losses in this study were due partly to delayed combining to allow the weeds to be desiccated by freezing temperatures.