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Modification of a Hay Baler for Applying Organic Preservatives to High Moisture Hay 1
Author(s) -
McNemar J. H.,
Sheaffer C. C.,
Clark N. A.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1977.00021962006900020033x
Subject(s) - hay , preservative , moisture , agronomy , phleum , water content , chemistry , food science , biology , engineering , organic chemistry , geotechnical engineering
In much of the United States the limiting factor in making good quality hay is the amount of time required for hay curing. The object of this research was to modify a conventional twine‐tie baler to apply liquid preservatives to high moisture hay in order to decrease field drying times. Alfalfa‐timothy ( Medicago sativa L. — Phleum pratense L.) hay was field treated with ammonium isobutyrate using a modified baler equipped with nozzles, pump, and storage tank. The preservative was applied at rates of 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0% to hay with an average moisture content of 39% with a range of 36 to 50%. All applied rates of preservative reduced storage temperatures. The baler modifications allowed for effective application of an organic preservative under field conditions.