The Impact of Ginning Rate on Fiber and Seed Quality

Abstract

HighlightsReducing the ginning rate improved fiber quality properties.HVI color, leaf grade, and trash area were improved as the ginning rate is reduced.AFIS gave longer, more uniform, and lower short fiber content results with slower ginning rates.Economic benefits on lower ginning rates are negated by input cost, i.e., labor costs.Abstract. Fiber quality needs to be maintained as ginning rates and saw loadings increase. This study utilized two gin stands, which were each operated at three different Ginning Rate Levels to determine if there were significant differences in fiber quality as a function of ginning rate. As ginning rates were reduced, HVI results for leaf grade, trash area, and color grade, were significantly improved. AFIS measurements showed lower ginning rates resulted in longer fibers with less short fiber. Reducing the ginning rate on average from 7.36 to 4.10 bales/h (48.7 to 27.2 kg/saw/h) increased the lint value by $3.92 per 218 kg bale, yet the increase in lint value may be negated by increased labor and other costs due to the additional processing time per bale. Keywords: Fiber quality, Ginning rate, Short fiber content, Neps, Saw gin capacity.