Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Field drying experiments were conducted on alfalfa to determine the requirements and long term expected performance of chemicals for conditioning hay in the northern USA 2.8% aqueous solution of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) sprayed on the alfalfa as it was mowed increased field drying rate. A mixture of 1.4% potassium carbonate and 1.4% sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in water provided a similar increase in drying rate, while a solution of sodium carbonate alone was generally less effective. Maximum effect occurred when the treatment was applied as alfalfa was mowed and conditioned with a roll-type conditioning machine and the alfalfa was left to dry in a thin swath. Application rate affected drying performance. Rates of 450 liter/ha on heavy crop yields (>3.0 t dry matter/ha) and 300 liter/ha on lighter yields were required to obtain adequate coverage of the plant material. Increasing concentration of potassium carbonate above 2.8% did not improve drying. Neither nozzle type nor operating pressure of the spray system influenced drying performance at proper application rates. The chemical treatment was generally less effective on first cutting alfalfa because heavier swaths and wet soil inhibit drying. On later cuttings, drying rates were normally increased 34 to 45% which reduced field curing time by 1/2 to 1 day in the northern US.
Citation
Rotz, C A.; Thomas, J W.; and Buxton, D R., "Speeding the Field Drying of Alfalfa with Chemicals" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 19.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses9/19)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Speeding the Field Drying of Alfalfa with Chemicals
Kyoto Japan
Field drying experiments were conducted on alfalfa to determine the requirements and long term expected performance of chemicals for conditioning hay in the northern USA 2.8% aqueous solution of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) sprayed on the alfalfa as it was mowed increased field drying rate. A mixture of 1.4% potassium carbonate and 1.4% sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in water provided a similar increase in drying rate, while a solution of sodium carbonate alone was generally less effective. Maximum effect occurred when the treatment was applied as alfalfa was mowed and conditioned with a roll-type conditioning machine and the alfalfa was left to dry in a thin swath. Application rate affected drying performance. Rates of 450 liter/ha on heavy crop yields (>3.0 t dry matter/ha) and 300 liter/ha on lighter yields were required to obtain adequate coverage of the plant material. Increasing concentration of potassium carbonate above 2.8% did not improve drying. Neither nozzle type nor operating pressure of the spray system influenced drying performance at proper application rates. The chemical treatment was generally less effective on first cutting alfalfa because heavier swaths and wet soil inhibit drying. On later cuttings, drying rates were normally increased 34 to 45% which reduced field curing time by 1/2 to 1 day in the northern US.
