Comparison of Mechanical, Assisted and Manual Harvest of Origanum vulgare L.

In Italy, the production of Origanum vulgare L. is lower than national market demand, so there an increasing interest in this crop, even if manual harvest and bunch binding represent ca. 60% cost. The aim work to evaluate efficiency, as well working capacity, productivity quality mechanical harvesting by means a reaper-binder designed for cereal forage crops assisted long-reach edge trimmer. fact, final suggest machine method oregano that could significantly reduce time and, therefore, cost crop operation, while achieving product similar obtained harvesting. Tests were carried out using after modifying it (i.e., reducing its forward speed, cutting height size improve quality) trimmer, respectively. tests compared with testing field, irregular shape area one hectare, nine rows selected divided into three replications, each comprising tests, i.e., mechanical, modified allowed us achieve capacity rates much higher those Moreover, quality, terms weight height, favourably compares manually obtained. Furthermore, trimmer but Thus, can minimise bunches slightly bigger harvested, requires high initial investment Instead, be cheap solution Therefore, spread areas inland Sicily other Mediterranean regions are often cultivated low-profit herbaceous plant species or lie fallow. would possible increase farmers’ incomes job opportunities, preventing minimising hydrogeological instability these areas.