INFLUENCE OF BALE DENSITY IN LOGISTIC CHAIN OF MECHANICAL HARVESTING HEMP FOR FIBER USE

Hemp harvesting technologies allow different operating systems with or without specific machine trying to meet the needs of farmers and processors, based on the different products of interest (long or short fiber hemp). Each path undertaken involves different harvest solutions, treatments and results depending on the machine, its setting, the conditions of the product, size, moisture content and above all the treatment method undergone in the harvest and logistic chain. This work aims to examine in the context of the harvesting operations of hemp from fiber, different solutions for mower, windrowing and baling whole hemp plant, in order to evaluate the quality of the biomass obtained and the improvements obtainable in the logistics necessary for further processing phase of fiber extraction. For the test, different not specific hemp machine was used capable of operating in the different mechanical harvest phases. As part of the CCF (Canapa Campana in Fibra) project, different farm, hemp varieties and machines contractor are involved. The first tests with ordinary farm machines were carried out in Southern Italy, providing good operating results linked to performance, work quality and economic aspect, while highlighted some critical issues related to excessive tems length and stiffness. The first results in terms of bales density, homogeneity of the stems, bales movement are positive and similar to haymaking phases; the workability for subsequent fiber extractions are in progress in the industrial plant involved in the CCF project activity.