ReadyForHarvesting
The ReadyForHarvesting phase in Chickpea represents the final phase after HarvestRipe. This is the end phase when the crop is fully mature and ready for harvest.
Overview
The EndPhase model simulates the final phase after HarvestRipe.
- This phase starts at HarvestRipe and represents the terminal stage of phenological development
- The model uses daily Thermal Time, retrieved from the
[Phenology].ThermalTimefunction, but it does not accumulate further thermal time - This is an end phase that persists until the crop is harvested or removed
Crop Status
Once the crop reaches ReadyForHarvesting:
- All phenological development is complete
- Seeds are at optimal moisture for harvest and storage
- The crop remains in this phase until harvest occurs
- Delayed harvest beyond this point provides no agronomic benefit
Harvest Considerations
At this stage:
- Immediate harvest: Crop can be harvested any time conditions permit
- Delay risks: Prolonged delays increase risks of:
- Pod shattering and seed loss
- Weather damage (rain, wind, hail)
- Quality degradation
- Field accessibility issues
- Quality maintenance: Proper harvest and handling preserve seed quality
Cultivar-Specific Parameters
No cultivar-specific parameters are defined for this phase.
Practical Considerations
When the crop reaches ReadyForHarvesting:
- Harvest as soon as field conditions and weather permit
- Ensure harvest equipment is properly adjusted for chickpea
- Minimize mechanical damage during harvest and handling
- Monitor seed moisture at harvest
- Avoid harvest during high humidity to prevent seed damage
- Plan for proper storage or immediate marketing
Prompt harvest at this stage helps maximize recoverable yield and seed quality while minimizing losses from shattering, weather damage, or quality deterioration.