Operation
UNDERSTANDING HAY CONDITIONS AND
TESTER READINGS
Many variables affect the accuracy of sensor readings. Understanding
these variables can help to make use of the sensor readings.
IMPORTANT: Because of the numerous variables, which affect sen-
sor readings, the indicated moisture should not be used as an abso-
lute and quantitative measurement. Sensor readings are, however,
very useful for baling and storing hay.
Field conditions: soil moisture, high or low areas, swales, and shaded
areas all affect hay moisture within the same field.
Hay varieties: leaf to stem ratio, crop maturity and different cuttings con-
tribute to widely varying moisture distribution within the hay plants.
Harvest variables: bale density, windrow size and shape, ground
moisture, the time of day, hay temperature and overall climate conditions
affect hay moisture. High humidity with cloud cover contributes to more
variations in hay moisture than a dry, sunny and breezy day.
Some preservatives increase conductivity: Until the preservative
is fully absorbed, usually one to two days, the preservative may cause
readings to be two to four points above what the same hay without pre-
servative would read.
Bale density: As the bale becomes tighter inside the bale chamber, the
moisture readings will appear higher. These higher readings are due to
compaction that varies as the bale is being formed.
Each type of baler feeds hay into the bale chamber and forms the bale dif-
ferently. In general, small rectangular bales are denser toward the bottom
or “light” side. Large rectangular bales are densest in their upper corners.
Natural variations within the windrow: Non-uniform hay moisture is
expected in any given windrow. This can occur due to low-lying areas or
drain off channels in a field. The hay that contacts the sensor pads does
so randomly. Therefore, pockets of very dry and very wet hay may be
detected and those corresponding readings will be displayed.
A poorly prepared windrow can have variations of moisture of up to 20%.
Even a well-prepared windrow can vary in moisture up to 5%.
12
To Next Page
Loading...
