Table 3.10 Recommended Windrow Characteristics
Characteristic
Advantage
High and
fl
uffy
Enables air
fl
ow through windrow which is more important to the curing
process than direct sunlight
Consistent formation (not bunching)
Permits an even
fl
ow of material into the baler, chopper, etc.
Even distribution of material
across windrow
Results in even and consistent bales to minimize handling and
stacking problems
Properly conditioned
Prevents excessive leaf damage
3.17.5
Driving on Windrow
Driving on previously cut windrows that will not be raked can lengthen drying time by a full day. If practical, set
forming shields to produce a narrower windrow that the machine can straddle.
NOTE:
Driving on the windrow in high-yield crops may be unavoidable if a full width windrow is necessary.
3.17.6
Raking and Tedding
Raking or tedding speeds up drying; however, the resulting leaf loss may outweigh the bene
fi
ts. There is little or no
advantage to raking or tedding if the ground beneath the windrow is dry.
Large windrows on damp or wet ground should be turned over when moisture levels reach 40–50%. Hay should not
be raked or tedded at moisture levels below 25%, however, or excessive yield loss will result.
3.17.7
Using Chemical Drying Agents
Hay drying agents work by removing wax from legume surfaces and enabling water to escape and evaporate faster.
However, treated hay lying on wet ground will absorb ground moisture faster.
Before deciding to use a drying agent, carefully compare the relative costs and bene
fi
ts for your area.
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