© 2022 Staheli West
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Judging Bale Moisture with the
Gazeeka Moisture Gauge
Judging Bale Moisture with the GAZEEKA Moisture Gauge
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PREFERRED METHOD: We highly recommend the GAZEEKA Microwave Moisture Gauge, which is a non-
contact, microwave-moisture-measuring instrument.
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Use a baler-mounted GAZEEKA Moisture Gauge, on the baler.
□ Effectiveness and accuracy of the
GAZEEKA Moisture Gauge in DewPoint steam-baled-hay
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The speed of microwaves through air is very close to the speed of light through space, and the
speed of microwaves through dry hay is a little slower than through air.
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However, the speed of microwaves through water is considerably slower than in dry hay. The
difference in this speed is attributed to a value known as the dielectric constant (sometimes
called relative permittivity). The dielectric constant for air is close to 1. For dry, fibrous material
it is closer to 2, while for pure water it is approximately 80. Similarly, the amount of microwave
energy absorbed in air is less than dry hay, and in dry hay is much less than in water. Thus,
if measured correctly, these measurements can be a very sensitive method of measuring
moisture in a bale of hay.
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Whether the moisture detected in hay is from steam, natural dew or stem moisture, the
GAZEEKA Moisture Gauge provides an accurate moisture reading when properly calibrated.
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Calibration should be done prior to putting hay in the baler the first time. Follow all directions
with the
GAZEEKA instrument to calibrate and establish proper settings for safe and reliable
operation.
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MONITOR bale moisture using the GAZEEKA Moisture Gauge and adjust steam rate to meet your bale
moisture target.
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It is your responsibility determine acceptable bale moisture parameters .
□ As a general rule you will add from 1%-4% moisture to the hay you are baling, depending on the
ambient conditions and the steam rates used to meet the existing conditions.
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In climates with low humidity, fully cured hay that has no natural dew will normally range from
8-10% moisture in the
windrow, depending on ambient humidity.
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In these climates you will normally be able to make bales with very good leaf retention and
density by applying enough steam to bring the bale moisture up to 12-14%.
Preferred Method
Microwave
Instantaneous
Peak
Average
