Design of Lavender Harvesting Machine and Development of Prototype

The growing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly lavender, in both domestic and global agricultural markets underscore the increasing importance of lavender cultivation. This surge in demand has driven the need for technological advancements and agricultural innovations to increase the productivity and efficiency of lavender cultivation. In Turkey, lavender harvesting relies predominantly on manual labor, highlighting the need to implement mechanized harvesting methods to increase commercial productivity and reduce labor costs. This study aimed to address the challenge of mechanization in lavender cultivation by developing a prototype lavender harvesting machine. The machine was specifically designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of lavender plants and the terrain in which they are grown. The process began with identifying the functional units required for the machine, followed by the creation of detailed design drawings before moving on to the manufacturing phase. Once the harvester was manufactured, performance tests were conducted under actual field conditions to evaluate its operational efficiency. The primary focus of the evaluation was on the machine's cutting and bundling capabilities, which are critical to effective lavender harvesting. The results of these tests were promising, with an average cutting efficiency of 95.2% and an average tying efficiency of 68.0%. In addition, the experimental trials demonstrated that the harvested lavender could be efficiently transferred to either a trailer or the field surface using a conveyor belt system after cutting. However, the study also showed that there is room for improvement, particularly in the binding process. Research into alternative binding mechanisms and improvements to the overall performance of the machine are essential steps needed to increase the efficiency of the lavender harvesting prototype. Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of mechanizing lavender harvesting to meet the growing demand for lavender and other aromatic plants. By reducing reliance on manual labor and improving harvesting efficiency, such innovations could significantly increase the commercial productivity and sustainability of lavender farming. The lavender harvester's customized transportation system, binding unit, and adjustable cutting width are the primary technological features that distinguish it from other machines produced. These technological applications make the harvesting process more efficient and effective in lavender farming. This work represents a significant step in the mechanization of lavender harvesting and provides a foundation for future research and development in this field.