English: This cross-sectional diagram of a typical combine harvester shows the path followed by a generic grain crop as it is harvested from a field: the stalks of the plants are cut by a series of blades at the front of the combine, after which the cut stalks are conveyed to the interior of the machine (red); the useful grain (yellow) is then loosened and separated from the cut stalks and retained in a dedicated compartment, while the remaining less useful crop residues, including chaff, husks, straw, etc. (green), are discarded onto the field behind the combine.