Abstract: A residue spread monitoring system for an agricultural harvester includes sensors and a controller configured to receive images from the sensors and determine a mode of plume evaluation as a first mode of plume evaluation or a second mode of plume evaluation; determine, in the first mode of plume evaluation, a first spread of the plume of residue based on the residue within the one or more first images; measure, in the second mode of plume evaluation, one or more first characteristics of dust represented in the one or more first images; and process, in the second mode of plume evaluation, the one or more first characteristics of dust is used to obtain the first spread of the plume of residue; and control operation of the agricultural harvester according to the first spread of the plume of residue.

Abstract: One or more sensors can capture images of at least a portion of crop residue, which can be shown in real time on a display. Information captured by the sensors can be used to determine crop residue parameter information. The crop residue information can pertain to either or both the processing of crop residue by, or the distribution of crop residue from, the agricultural machine. Virtual representations of the crop residue parameter information can overlay at least a portion of, or otherwise be presented in connection with, the captured image shown on the display. The virtual representation can have an appearance that can visually convey the crop residue parameter information to an operator. Such visual representations can include the use of parameter identifiers, graphical shapes, or text, as well as combinations thereof. The virtual representation of the crop residue parameter information can also provide an indication as to whether the crop residue parameter information satisfies a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A residue sensor is mounted to a combine harvester to sense a characteristic of residue. The residue sensor can be mounted to a spreader, to a sidewall of a chopper, or in a bypass system. The residue sensor can also be protected by an air curtain that directs air to inhibit contact between the residue sensor and the residue.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a threshing assembly, a crop debris routing assembly, and a controller configured to identify a relationship between a performance parameter that is associated with the threshing assembly or the crop debris routing assembly and one or more performance-modifying parameters. The one or more performance-modifying parameters include a machine parameter, a crop condition, or a chop quality of harvested crop. The controller is configured to adjust at least one machine parameter to change an amount of power required by at least one of the threshing assembly and the crop debris routing assembly.

Abstract: A crop debris routing assembly for an agricultural machine includes a chopper rotor and opposing knives. The chopper rotor is configured to rotate about a chopper axis and includes chopper knives extending away from the chopper axis. The opposing knives extend toward the chopper rotor and are spaced from the chopper knives. The crop debris routing assembly includes at least one load cell operatively coupled to a controller. The at least one load cell measures a force applied to the opposing knives as harvested crop passes through the crop debris routing assembly. The controller receives a signal from the at least one load cell indicative of the measured force applied to the opposing knives and determines an amount of power required by the chopper rotor based on the measured force applied to the opposing knives and a rotational speed of the chopper rotor.