ABSTRACT Although peanut harvesting results in significant losses, it has rarely been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the interference of different pod moisture contents on peanut harvesting and their influence on the process quality based on losses and impurities. An experiment was performed in a peanut seed producing area, in Luzitânia, district of Jaboticabal - SP, using average moisture contents of 15% and 20% in the pods; 16 and 14 data points were collected for the 20% and 15% treatments, respectively. The experimental design used statistical process control (SPC) to analyze the collected variables. The results indicated higher losses in the platform than in the machine. In addition, the harvest quality was not affected by the pod moisture content. However, the correct adjustment of machines can restrict total losses to approximately 1% of the yield. Pods with moisture contents of 15% and 20% can be used for peanut harvesting. However, although a pod moisture content of 15% reduced the amount of mineral and vegetal impurities inside the bulk tank, the number of open pods increased, whereas a pod moisture content of 20% provided a greater number of whole pods.

ABSTRACT Work in the field is characterized as unstructured because it is performed in inconvenient postures, without a fixed workstation, exposing the worker directly to the sun and other inclement weather. This may interfere in the health and the performance of the activity. The objective of this work was to characterize the environment of the agricultural microtractor operator, evaluating the thermal comfort during the activity in the municipality of Quixadá, CE. A model TC14 Super Yanmar Agritech microtractor, coupled to a rotary spindle, was used. For the measurements of the environmental variables, sensors and devices were installed on the operator and in the microtractor. The experimental design adopted the assumptions of statistical quality control. Fifteen collections were done daily at different times for three consecutive days. The data obtained were indices of thermal discomfort and thermography, both of which were analyzed by sequential graphs (run charts), control graph (Xbar-R chart), and scatter plot. At all rates, the work performed proved to be inadequate, exceeding the operator's capabilities and limitations. It was concluded that the activity performed by the microtractor operator is stressful. Measures should be taken to improve working conditions without affecting the operator's health.

RESUMO O sistema plantio direto aperfeiçoa as áreas agrícolas mantendo o aporte de palha, promovendo a rotação de culturas e a conservação dos solos. Objetivou-se, com o presente estudo, avaliar a qualidade do processo de semeadura e a produtividade de grãos de milho em função de três espécies forrageiras do gênero Urochloa associadas a duas densidades populacionais de plantas de milho. O experimento foi conduzido em área da UNESP/Jaboticabal, SP. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, no esquema fatorial 2 x 3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por duas densidades de plantas de milho (55.000 e 75.000 plantas ha-1) consorciado com três espécies forrageiras (Urochloa brizantha, Urochloa decumbens e Urochloa ruziziensis) semeadas na entrelinha no estádio V4 do milho. Foram analisados, na cultura do milho, os números médios de dias de emergência, a distribuição longitudinal, a produtividade de grãos e a população inicial e final de plantas. Houve diferença entre as populações de plantas de milho (P ≤ 0,1) em que o consórcio de milho com as espécies U. brizantha e U. ruziziensis proporcionou melhores resultados permitindo concluir que o cultivo milho na densidade populacional de 75.000 plantas ha-1 em consórcio com U. brizantha e U. ruziziensis promoveu uma qualidade melhor no processo de semeadura e, em contrapartida, maiores produtividades de grãos.

ABSTRACT The no-tillage system optimizes agricultural areas, maintaining the supply of straw and promoting crop rotation and soil conservation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sowing quality and grain yield of corn intercropped with three forage species of the Urochloa genus associated with two corn population densities. The experiment was conducted at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), in Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two corn densities (55,000 and 75,000 plants ha-1) intercropped with three forages (Urochloa brizantha, Urochloa decumbens and Urochloa ruziziensis) sown between rows of corn in the V4 stage. The following corn variables were analysed: mean number of days for emergence, longitudinal distribution, grain yield, initial population and final population. There were differences between corn populations (p < 0.1) and the intercropping of corn with the species U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis promoted the best results, which permitted concluding that the cultivation of corn at the population density of 75,000 plants ha-1 intercropped U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis promoted better sowing quality and, consequently, higher grain yields.