gen-define-harvest-index-and-give-one-short-worked-example-7226

Define harvest index and give one short worked example.

# Harvest Index **Definition:** Harvest Index (HI) is the ratio of economically useful yield (grain, fruit, tuber, etc.) to the total above-ground biomass of a crop, expressed as a percentage or decimal. **Formula:** $$\text{Harvest Index} = \frac{\text{Economic Yield}}{\text{Total Biomass}} \times 100\%$$ --- ## Worked Example A wheat crop produces: - **Grain yield:** 4,000 kg/ha - **Total above-ground biomass:** 10,000 kg/ha (grain + straw) **Calculation:** $$\text{HI} = \frac{4,000}{10,000} \times 100\% = 40\%$$ **Interpretation:** 40% of the plant's total biomass goes into grain production, which is typical for modern wheat varieties. Higher HI values indicate more efficient partitioning of resources into the harvestable portion.