Infield Biomass Bales Aggregation Logistics and Equipment Track Impacted Area Evaluation

Abstract

Efficient bale stack location, infield bale logistics, and equipment track impacted area were conducted in three different studies using simulation in R. Even though the geometric median produced the best logistics, among the five mathematical grouping methods, the field middle was recommended as it was comparable and easily accessible in the field. Curvilinear method developed (8-259 ha), incorporating equipment turning (tractor: 1 and 2 bales/trip, automatic bale picker (ABP): 8-23 bales/trip, harvester, and baler), evaluated the aggregation distance, impacted area, and operation time. The harvester generated the most, followed by the baler, and the ABP the least impacted area and operation time. The ABP was considered as the most effective bale aggregation equipment compared to the tractor. Simple specific and generalized prediction models, developed for aggregation logistics, impacted area, and operation time, have performed well (0.88≤R2≤0.99). An ABP of 8 bales capacity, also capable of 11 bales/trip, was recommended.