AGRETO HFM II
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©
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© AGRETO
AGRETO
AGRETO
AGRETO electronics GmbH
electronics GmbH
electronics GmbH
electronics GmbH
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22
Factors influencing moisture testing
22.1
Bale density
Hay and straw bales are of different density. In practice, the bale density may
usually not be determined. In addition, the density within a bale can be very
different, intentionally or unintentionally.
The calibration of AGRETO HFM II is designed for an average bale density. In
bales with higher density a higher moisture level will tend to appear and at lower
density bales a lower value will be displayed. This fact is advantageous in
practice in many cases, because, with higher density bales increased sensitivity
is advised with respect to quality and storability.
22.2
Material
A hay or straw bale consists of various plant parts drying unevenly. Also, the
material in the bale is not always stored uniformly. The leaf / stem ratio is not
always the same in the entire bale.
Accordingly, the moisture inside a bale is different. Bales with higher moisture
typically have higher moisture differences within the bale. With increasing drying
the differences become smaller.
The AGRETO HFM II measures the moisture and the temperature only in the
region of the material that rests directly around the tip of the device.
22.3
Sweating
In the first days after the pressing, the moisture value can rise slightly. In
marginal bales you should constantly perform control measurements these
days.
22.4
Preservatives
Some preservatives change the electrical properties of the material. In the
period in which the preservative is added, it may lead to an increased moisture
value for several days to a few percentage points.
