Method for operating a root crop conveying machine

A method for operating a root crop conveying machine comprising the following steps:

• recording sensor data by means of at least one optical sensor, which is directed to a measurement region of a flow of harvested material conveyed by at least one conveying element in a conveying direction,
• calculating mass data characterizing at least a mass of at least a part of the harvested material by an evaluation device on the basis of the sensor data,
• providing, by the evaluation device, yield data calculated at least on the basis of the mass data and reflecting at least the mass and/or a value calculated on the basis of the mass,
• generating an adjustment signal, by the evaluation device, at least on the basis of the sensor data, the mass data, and/or the yield data, the adjustment signal for adjusting at least one separating element, which in operation is arranged along the flow in front of or behind the measurement region and acts mechanically on at least a part of the harvested material, of a separating device which is designed for separating a first part of the harvested material from a further part of the harvested material.