Changes

In agriculture, the '''harvest''' is the [[process]]es of gathering [[mature]] crops from the fields. ''Reaping'' is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythe scythe], sickle, or reaper.[1] The harvest marks the end of the [[growing]] season, or the growing [[cycle]] for a particular crop, and this is the [[focus]] of seasonal celebrations of many [[religions]]. On smaller farms with minimal [[mechanization]], harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season. On large, mechanized farms, harvesting utilizes the most expensive and sophisticated farm machinery, like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combine_harvester combine harvester]. Harvesting in general usage includes an immediate post-harvest handling, all of the [[actions]] taken immediately after removing the crop—cooling, sorting, cleaning, packing—up to the point of further on-farm processing, or shipping to the wholesale or consumer market.

In agriculture, the '''harvest''' is the [[process]]es of gathering [[mature]] crops from the fields. ''Reaping'' is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythe scythe], sickle, or reaper.[1] The harvest marks the end of the [[growing]] season, or the growing [[cycle]] for a particular crop, and this is the [[focus]] of seasonal celebrations of many [[religions]]. On smaller farms with minimal [[mechanization]], harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season. On large, mechanized farms, harvesting utilizes the most expensive and sophisticated farm machinery, like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combine_harvester combine harvester]. Harvesting in general usage includes an immediate post-harvest handling, all of the [[actions]] taken immediately after removing the crop—cooling, sorting, cleaning, packing—up to the point of further on-farm processing, or shipping to the wholesale or consumer market.

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Harvest''''', follow [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Harvest this link].</center>

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Harvest''''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Harvest this link].</center>

==Important factors==

==Important factors==

Harvest [[timing]] is a [[essential|critical]] [[decision]], that [[balance]]s the likely [[weather]] conditions with the [[degree]] of crop maturity. Weather conditions such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost frost], rain (resulting in a "wet harvest"),[2] and unseasonably warm or cold periods can affect yield and [[quality]]. An earlier harvest date may avoid damaging conditions, but result in poorer yield and quality. Delaying harvest may result in a better harvest, but increases the risk of weather problems. Timing of the harvest often amounts to a significant gamble.

Harvest [[timing]] is a [[essential|critical]] [[decision]], that [[balance]]s the likely [[weather]] conditions with the [[degree]] of crop maturity. Weather conditions such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost frost], rain (resulting in a "wet harvest"),[2] and unseasonably warm or cold periods can affect yield and [[quality]]. An earlier harvest date may avoid damaging conditions, but result in poorer yield and quality. Delaying harvest may result in a better harvest, but increases the risk of weather problems. Timing of the harvest often amounts to a significant gamble.