The influence of weather on the effectiveness of mechanical and chemical conditioning on drying rate of lucerne hay

Akkharath, I.; Gupta, Mohit; Tullberg, J. N.

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2494.1996.tb02042.x

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Therefore, minimizing drying time and maintaining suitable drying conditions are crucial for harvesting high-quality lucerne. Rainfall is the most prominent factor limiting the moisture loss and drying rate, and persistent rainfall could cause mildew or rot [15]. Temperature also significantly affects lucerne quality.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Method of Coupling Lucerne Quality with Meteorological Data to Evaluate the Suitability of Hay Harvest

Li,

Xie,

Liu

et al. 2024

Agronomy

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The alfalfa harvest time is determined by the alfalfa growth stage and the weather factors at that time, which will affect the yield and quality of the alfalfa hay. Addressing issues like the lack of precise harvesting timing and underutilized production potential of lucerne, this study is based on the internal(fall dormancy level, crude protein, acid, neutral detergent fiber, relative feed value) and external factors(air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, ground temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation) affecting the quality of lucerne, as well as the relevant experimental data of the existing literature and the weather factors within 24 h after the lucerne harvest.Using principal component analysis to calculate the weights of the above indicators, the harvest suitability score formula was constructed to determine the harvesting time, harvesting method and harvesting stubble. Huanghua City was used as an example to confirm the method’s effectiveness in guiding for determining the optimal harvest date of lucerne in the city. Key findings include the following: The hay quality of the first two crops of alfalfa in Huanghua City was higher than that of the third and fourth crops, and the optimal harvest stage of alfalfa was before the precipitation concentration period, which was consistent with other local research results and weather characteristics, and the method was feasible. Precipitation was the most significant factor affecting the lucerne harvest. The effects of other weather factors on hay quality varied with precipitation conditions. The temperature was the second important factor when daily precipitation is less than 1 mm, and the wind speed became the second important factor when the daily precipitation is less than 10 mm and more than 1 mm. Under low suitability and high precipitation, it may be advisable to convert hay harvest to silage to maximize economic benefits. This research could help agricultural decision-makers to develop precise harvesting strategies, and further improve lucerne production efficiency.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Method of Coupling Lucerne Quality with Meteorological Data to Evaluate the Suitability of Hay Harvest

Li,

Xie,

Liu

et al. 2024

Agronomy

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“…Mechanical conditioning treatments, such as crushing and crimping with flail or roll conditioners, increase the drying rate by physical rupture of the plant tissue, which allows the slower-drying stem to dry at a rate approaching that of faster-drying leaves (Harris et al, 1974;Priepke and Bruhn, 1970). More extreme mechanical treatments, such as maceration, have a great effect on drying rate (e.g., Shinners et al, 1987;Savoie et al, 1993), but equipment for this treatment is not yet commercially available (Akkharath et al, 1996).…”

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Effects of Mechanical Conditioning on Wilting of Alfalfa and Italian Ryegrass for Ensiling

1999

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Conditioning may greatly increase the drying rate of cut forage during the initial stages of drying. Such results may be particularly useful for silage systems (as opposed to haymaking). This study was conducted to determine the drying rate and losses in six field wilting trials on pure stands of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) when treated with different types of mower-conditioners (rubber rolls; plastic or steel flails). Drying was measured by calculating the water loss rate from two subsequent hourly weights of swath portions placed on trays. Dry matter (DM) losses were estimated on 1.2-m lengths of swaths immediately after cutting. The steel flail conditioner provided faster drying than the other conditioning types for both crops. The effect of the rubber roll conditioner was limited due to the swath structure, especially with forage surface densities higher than 0. 7 kg D M m -z. Tedding positively interacted with the conditioning treatment to increase the drying rate, especially when forage was conditioned with the rubber roll machine. Shatter losses from alfalfa were higher for the flail conditioner, ranging from 3.6 to 10.2%, and with greater loss of crude protein. The DM losses were always lower than 2.5% for Italian ryegrass. The most severe conditioning (steel flails) followed by tedding is appropriate for grass, as it significantly reduces the wilting time without affecting DM loss. However, a less severe conditioning (rubber rolls) without tedding is more appropriate for wilting alfalfa, to avoid excessive leaf and protein loss.

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PA—Precision Agriculture

Wright¹,

Frost²,

Patterson³

et al. 2001

Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research

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The influence of weather on the effectiveness of mechanical and chemical conditioning on drying rate of lucerne hay

Cited by 3 publications

References 17 publications

A Method of Coupling Lucerne Quality with Meteorological Data to Evaluate the Suitability of Hay Harvest

A Method of Coupling Lucerne Quality with Meteorological Data to Evaluate the Suitability of Hay Harvest

Effects of Mechanical Conditioning on Wilting of Alfalfa and Italian Ryegrass for Ensiling

PA—Precision Agriculture

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