NOTES
Whenever pressure is being applied on the electrode, be sure that the points of the
electrode are touching nothing but the hay.
Repeat the steps above if considerable variations are found in the meter readings. To
reduce these variations, chop the hay, mix it thoroughly and take several readings by
following the procedures above. This will make the moisture distribution in the sample
more uniform
Test B:
Attach the #831 short pin prod to the H-4 handle and connect the handle to the
external connector on top of the meter.
Apply the prod to the hay in the windrow.
Press the read button #1 and take a reading.
Make several tests on the hay exposed to the sun, then turn the windrow over and
make an equal number of tests on the hay that had been closer to the ground. Use the
highest readings.
NOTES
Make sure that the points of the electrode are not touching the ground. The electrode
points should make contact with the hay only.
Test C:
Select up to five large, slower-drying stems from a section of the windrow.
Place them one at a time across two adjacent points on the #831 short pin prod.
The average of these stem readings should be about two to five points higher than
the actual moisture content.
NOTES
Repeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay special attention to the areas
where the hay is heaviest.
The amount of variation found among windrow readings as well as the average stem
moisture should be taken into consideration before the decision is made to start baling.
FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR READINGS
Because of the many variables that affect the electrical meter readings, the indicated
moisture content should not be used as an absolute quantitative measurement. Meter
readings are very useful guidelines for safe storability of hay.
Meter readings become more significant when they are considered in the light of the density
of the bales, anticipated handling and storage, and prevailing climate conditions.
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