Abstract: An improved sorting apparatus for separating loose debris, rocks and clods of dirt from root crops such as potatoes includes a channelizing conveyor, a take-away conveyor having an inlet end positioned below the discharge end of the channelizing conveyor, and a plurality of diverter paddles aligned with the channels of the channelizing conveyor. The channelizing conveyor includes an endless series of segments, each segment comprising a bar having hook portions at the ends thereof and an elastomeric molding formed thereon. Each molding includes several uniformly spaced, wedge-shaped projections, and the projections are longitudinally aligned to form channels for the potatoes, rocks and clods. The segments are interconnected with the hook portions thereof being engaged upon the trailing segment.