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Hay temperature
Add to reading
Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C
3
--
40°F/ 5°C
2
--
60°F/15°C
1
--
80°F/30°C
0
0
100°F/40°C
--
1
120°F/50°C
--
2
140°F/60°C
--
3
Example:
Meter reading:
22%
Temperature: 40°F/5°C
Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2)
CURING
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in moisture content should be
expected in both recently baled hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be
exposed by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or bale.
The
higher the moisture range, the wider are the variations. The more curing has
been allowed to take place, the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can
be expected.
The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the care spent in sampling the
hay to be tested. Whether hay in the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of
tests made should be increased whenever the initial readings show considerable
variations.
DENSITY
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of normal “average” density.
Generally:
Denser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
Looser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
Tests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
Tests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of the bale, not between
them. This will ensure firmer and more uniform contact.
When using the short pin prod, uniformity of pressure from one sample to the other
is achieved by applying pressure to the “pressure button” at the end of the H-3
handle as described on page 5.
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