Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Some Harvesting Machine on the Mechanical Damage of Potato Tubers

Potato tuber harvesting machines cause mechanical damage due to the intensity of operation and having metal moving parts. The amount of these damages varies according to the constructing, the number of moving parts and the way the harvester works. Also, the increase in the sensitivity of potato tubers to mechanical damage during harvesting has caused an increase in these damages, while it also causes more spoilage of potato tubers during storage and increases the damage caused by it. Therefore, in this research, based on the results and recommendations of the research done inside the country, in the form of a systematic review and meta-analysis method, the effect of some harvesting machines on the amount of mechanical damage of potato tubers has been investigated. Articles published in scientific journals, final reports of research projects, papers presented in scientific conferences, and student theses were reviewed using standard keywords. Then, those who met the criteria to enter the research, entered the meta-analysis process after quality control using a random model. The results showed that the potato picker machine with a one-part conveyor chain without a shaker, with the least mechanical damage of 19.04%, is the most suitable machine for harvesting potato tubers, and the mechanical damage of potato picker machine with a single-part conveyor chain with a shaker, potato picker machine with Two-part conveyor chain, potato picker machine with long conveyor chain, potato picker machine with vibrating sieve and potato picker machine with short one-part conveyor chain with shaker, respectively were 19.04, 19.46, 20.26, 21.85, 24.04 and 24.14 percent. Therefore, in order to reduce mechanical damages, it is recommended to use a potato harvester with a one-part conveyor chain in light soils and a two-part conveyor chain in heavy soils. Before harvesting, it is necessary to bring the humidity of the field to an acceptable level with light irrigation.