Publication Date
1989
Description
Research indicates that precipitation causes losses of yield and quality during field curing of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay (Collins, 1983 ; 1985). Time requirement for field curing is positively associated with the probability that rain damage will occur during haymaking. Thus, desiccants that hasten field drying could reduce the probability of rain damage. Preservatives, such as propionic acid, could also reduce curing time by allowing baling at higher moisture levels (Knapp et al., 1976). Variable topography, yield and moisture levels in the standing crop may cause variation in hay DM and make determination of effective preservative rates difficult. Studies were conducted to evaluate conditioning treatments and to quantify field variation in hay DM.
Citation
Collins, M, "Conditioning Effects and Field Variation in Dry Matter Concentration of Alfalfa Hay" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 29.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session8/29
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Conditioning Effects and Field Variation in Dry Matter Concentration of Alfalfa Hay
Research indicates that precipitation causes losses of yield and quality during field curing of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay (Collins, 1983 ; 1985). Time requirement for field curing is positively associated with the probability that rain damage will occur during haymaking. Thus, desiccants that hasten field drying could reduce the probability of rain damage. Preservatives, such as propionic acid, could also reduce curing time by allowing baling at higher moisture levels (Knapp et al., 1976). Variable topography, yield and moisture levels in the standing crop may cause variation in hay DM and make determination of effective preservative rates difficult. Studies were conducted to evaluate conditioning treatments and to quantify field variation in hay DM.
