Demand for chemicals and fertilizers for the citrus industry
Alexandre Tachibana & Agnaldo de Tarso Rigolin
Abstract
The loading and harvesting operation costs are equivalent to 44% of orange production cost. By representing a high cost in the production system of citrus, they induced the development of this work, with the goal of identifying the factors which interact with the operations and suggest new work alternatives, trying to increase the efficiency and cost reduction. The mechanical loading appears as an alternative, having its economic feasibility related to the daily harvested orange volumes and the equipment used. The mechanical loading allows big-bag utilization, improving the work system through increased fruit storage and cheaper harvest material, allowing easy labor management, night loading and other benefits. Applying logistic and management techniques in these operations may improve loading efficiency