Review of Electric Corn Threshing Machines

Study Case Review of Electric Corn Threshing Machines for Smallholder Post-Harvest Efficiency Michael Kurniawan (2018123456) University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States kurniaml@mail.uc.edu Abstract The use of electric corn threshing machines is an important innovation in improving postharvest efficiency for smallholder farmers in the United States. This tool is designed to speed up the harvest processing process while reducing labor costs. This article reviews the technical and economic aspects of electric corn shellers, including their design, operational performance, and their impact on farmer productivity and work efficiency. This study also highlights the main benefits of implementing this technology, the obstacles to its implementation, and provides recommendations for further development to support more sustainable corn farming in the future. Keywords: Electric Corn Threshing Machine, Post-Harvest Efficiency, Smallholder Farmers INTRODUCTION Corn is one of the main food commodities that plays a strategic role in national food security and the community's economy, especially for smallholder farmers in the Midwest of the United States. The most crucial post-harvest stage is the threshing process, as it directly affects the quality and quantity of the harvest. Manual methods are still commonly used by small farmers, but this technique is timeconsuming, labor-intensive, and has low efficiency [1]. Therefore, technological innovations are needed to increase productivity and reduce the farmers' workload. The use of electric corn shelling machines is a promising alternative. These machines offer advantages such as higher shelling speed, reduced manual labor, and cleaner and MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 1 Study Case more uniform harvest results ([3]; [4]). Previous studies have developed machines with various capacities and designs to suit the needs of small-scale farmers ([5]; [6]; [7]). Design innovations also continue to evolve, ranging from modifications to semimechanical threshers [7], electric motor-based machines [8], to medium-capacity portable tools [9]. Several other studies emphasize the transition from manual to mechanical systems [5] or the design of more efficient seed separators ([6]; [10]). In addition, research on alternative power sources has also been conducted, such as combining electricity with human power [11], automatic strip-till systems [12], and smallscale dome dryers for industrial corn needs [13]. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the affordability of machines for small-scale farmers and the cost-effectiveness of operations. Therefore, this review focuses on evaluating the effectiveness, costs, and socio-economic impacts of using electric corn shelling machines, with the hope of supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the corn sector. RESEARCH METHODS This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to review scientific literature related to electric corn shelling machines. Articles were obtained through Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar. Figure 1. Search results on Google Scholar MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 2 Study Case Figure 2. Search results on Semantic Scholar The search was conducted using the keywords: “Electric Corn Sheller Machine, PostHarvest Efficiency, Small-Scale Corn Farmers”. Mendeley Desktop was used for reference management. Articles were selected by examining their relevance to the topic, abstract, keywords, conclusions, and methodology. Selected articles were from reputable publishers, published within the last five years, and had a significant number of citations as an indicator of quality. Prisma SLR The SLR process is illustrated in Figure 3. Initially, 63 articles were obtained (38 from Google Scholar and 25 from Semantic Scholar). After removing 5 duplicate articles, 58 articles remained. Of these, 30 articles were relevant and 28 articles were eliminated. The next stage left 21 articles that were relevant to the research objectives. After a more rigorous selection, 18 articles were chosen for in-depth review, while 3 articles were excluded. The articles that passed were then analyzed thoroughly and the results were summarized in the discussion and conclusion. MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 3 Study Case Figure 3. SLR process flow using the PRISMA method Figure 4. Reference list display in Mendeley Desktop MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 4 Study Case RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Review Results MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 5 Study Case MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 6 Study Case MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 7 Study Case MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 8 Study Case The review shows that electric corn threshing machines can significantly improve post-harvest efficiency, both technically and economically. Discussion The application of this machine has been proven to increase work efficiency by up to 50% compared to manual methods, with an average capacity of 300 kg/hour. In addition, the use of appropriate technology helps reduce grain loss, improve cleanliness, and improve crop quality. From an economic perspective, this machine reduces manual labor costs. Although the initial investment is relatively high, the long-term benefits of increased productivity can offset these costs. Several studies also propose further innovations such as energyefficient electric motors, the use of helical shafts, and automated systems to improve operational efficiency. The socio-economic impact is also clear: small-scale farmers who use this machine experience increased income because the harvest can be processed more quickly and marketed immediately. However, limited access remains a major obstacle, so support from government programs or agricultural institutions is needed so that more farmers can benefit from it. In terms of sustainability, electric-based machines are considered more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel-powered machines. Some studies even emphasize the importance of utilizing renewable energy to strengthen efficiency while preserving the environment. MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 9 Study Case CONCLUSION This review shows that electric corn shellers are an effective mechanization solution for small-scale farmers in the United States. This technology has been proven to increase work efficiency, speed up the shelling process, reduce dependence on manual labor, and produce better quality corn kernels. In the future, this technology has the potential to be further developed through increased production capacity, the application of automatic features, and the use of more environmentally friendly alternative energy sources. Further research can be directed at testing in various corn-producing regions, comprehensive economic impact analysis, and the application of similar technologies to other commodities that require high efficiency in post-harvest. Thus, electric corn shellers can make a real contribution to agricultural sustainability and national food security. MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 10 Study Case REFERENCE MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 11 Study Case MICHAEL KURNIAWAN 12