Buzz
To harvest cotton, you have two options: manual picking or using a cotton picking machine. While manual picking is the traditional method, employing machines speeds up the process significantly and makes it much easier. By hand, you can pick about 20 plants in 10 minutes, whereas a cotton picker can collect up to 1,200 plants in just 30 seconds. If hand-picking, gently pull the cotton out of the boll with your fingers. If using a machine, make sure to read the instruction manual before operating it.
Procedures
Determining the Harvest Time
Harvest your crops when the bolls open up and reveal the fluffy cotton. Before ripening, cotton bolls are closed and resemble large seeds, typically greenish-brown and solid. Once the plant blooms, it produces white, fluffy cotton.
- If you are using a cotton picker, wait until the majority of your crops have exposed cotton balls to maximize your yield.
Commence cotton harvesting in July for regions with warm climates. Cotton planting usually occurs in April. Typically, it takes 150-180 days from planting until cotton is ripe for harvesting. If your area experiences warm temperatures during spring and summer, expect your cotton to be ready for harvest by the conclusion of July.
- Recommended for regions with consistently warm seasons.
Extend cotton picking until November in colder regions. Local climatic conditions influence the pace of cotton development, causing variations in harvest times across different regions. If your cotton isn't ripe for harvest in July, allow it to mature until the bolls open up.
- This typically extends into the autumn months in areas with milder spring and summer weather.
Manual Cotton Picking
Equip yourself with sturdy gloves to shield your hands. Cotton bolls possess sharp, pointed ends that can cause injury.
- Though not mandatory, wearing gloves ensures protection while picking cotton.
Grasp the cotton at its base and gently twist it out of the boll. Harvesting cotton is straightforward due to the distinct appearance of the fluffy white blossoms on the plant.
- You can utilize a clockwise motion to facilitate the process.
- This simplifies the process of using the cotton once it has dried.
Store your harvested cotton in a bucket or bag. To maintain the cleanliness and freshness of your cotton, carry a container with you and deposit the harvested cotton as you progress.
- This method enables easy organization of your cotton and safeguards it from dirt and debris.
Arrange your harvested cotton on a level surface and eliminate any leaves. Following the cotton harvest, sift through your container, discarding any leaves, twigs, or debris. This ensures the cleanliness and freshness of your cotton, making it suitable for various applications such as crafts or fabric production.
Utilizing a Harvesting Machine
Thoroughly review the user manual before operating the machine. Each cotton picker possesses unique settings and button placements. Familiarizing yourself with the instructions ensures proper startup and operation of the machine.
- This step is crucial. Neglecting to follow the instructions for your specific cotton picker can result in injury.
Take your seat at the driver's position and fasten your seat belt. A cotton picker, a sizable agricultural machine, is employed to swiftly harvest cotton across fields. Operate it akin to other farming machinery.
- Securing your seat belt is essential for safety.
Shift the lever to neutral and turn the ignition key. Insert the key into the ignition, then depress the lever downward with moderate force until it rests in the central position where the track starts diverting. Turn the key to the “Start” position, allowing it to return to “Run” after the engine starts.
- The automatic brake system activates when the lever is in neutral.
- The multi-function lever is located adjacent to your right hand and the armrest control module.
Configure the initial settings on the cotton picker to initiate startup. Begin by selecting your desired RPM setting on the armrest control module. Most machines offer three options: fast, normal, and slow. Opt for the slow speed initially, then adjust according to your preference. Subsequently, depress the floor switch with your foot for approximately five minutes.
- If you require assistance with the settings, consult your user manual. It contains a diagram detailing each switch's appearance.
Activate the “Field mode” setting and specify your preferred speed. Before commencing movement, ensure the “Field mode” button is engaged, rather than the “Road mode” setting. Typically, these buttons are distinguished by different colors. Furthermore, the “Field mode” offers options for slow and fast harvesting speeds.
- Select “1” for a leisurely pace.
- Opt for “2” to accelerate the harvesting process.
Activate the cotton fan and allow the machine to warm up for 3-5 minutes. Push the upper left switch down and forward to start the fan. Then, press the right switch down and forward to initiate the row units. Gradually advance the lever about 1/4 of the way forward to warm up the row units, then increase the speed gradually. Allow approximately 5 minutes for the row units and cotton fan to warm up before operation.
- As the machine moves, the row units rotate to collect the cotton.
- Many cotton pickers feature specific settings for navigating through rows. Refer to your user manual to activate these settings.
Push the lever forward to release the brake and set the machine in motion. Transition the lever from neutral to initiate movement of the cotton picker. Push the lever upward to move forward and pull it toward you, past neutral, to reverse. To gather cotton, activate the row unit lower switch on the lever as you begin moving.
- Easily adjust the lever to control your movement range.
- For turning, simply adjust the steering wheel.
Traverse your cotton field in orderly rows for thorough harvesting. The cotton picker automates the harvesting process. Drive straight until reaching the end of a row, then turn the wheel, pivot, and continue onto the next row. Cease movement upon harvesting all cotton within the field.
Transfer the harvested cotton into a “boll buggy” when the basket is full. Upon completing rounds in your cotton field and harvesting, engage the “Eject” function on the lever to open the rear of the cotton picker and discharge the cotton. Elevate the harvest using the lever, aligning it with the boll buggy's height. Employ the adjustment lever to release the barrier and deposit the cotton. Repeat until the picker is empty.
- A boll buggy serves as a separate storage unit for harvested cotton.
- To halt the machine, locate the “Off” or “Stop” button, typically red and situated near the primary lever. Then, turn off the key and remove it from the ignition.
Perform defoliation after removing the leaves from the plant. Defoliation involves eliminating the plant's foliage, typically conducted at the end of the cotton's growth cycle to stimulate new growth in the subsequent season. Leaves can be manually removed or defoliation chemicals can be applied.
- Procure defoliation chemicals from agricultural or garden supply stores.
Useful Tips
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Using a cotton picker significantly reduces the time required for harvesting compared to manual methods.
Important Reminders
- Delayed cotton harvesting may lead to decreased quality or yield due to adverse weather conditions.
- Ensure there are no individuals or equipment obstructing your path before operating a cotton picker.
- Prior to using a cotton picker, ensure you are fully proficient with the machine. Consult your owner’s manual, seek assistance from peers, and utilize online tutorials if necessary.
