Effect of Chemical Drying Agents on the Field Drying Rate of Alfalfa and Rye Hay

Alfalfa와 호밀에 있어서 속성 건초조제를 위한 건조제 처리효과

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of chemical drying agents at mowing on the field drying rate of alfalfa (cv. Vernal) and rye (cv. Koolgrazer) for hastening hay manuf8cture. In alfalfa; chemicals ($K_2CO_3$ 2% $K_2CO_3$ 3% $Na_2CO_3$ 2% $CaCO_3$, 2% $K_2CO_3$2% + $Na_2CO_3$, 1% only water spray and control) were treated at early bloom stage in 1995. Chemicals ($K_2CO_3$, 2%, $Na_2CO_3$, 2% $CaCO_3$, 2% and control) were applicated at different harvest stages (early heading, heading and bloom) in rye, 1996. The drying rate of alfalfa by $K_2CO_3$ treatment among chemicals was higher than control, and the duration of field dry was shortened by one day with $K_2CO_3$ application, but there was no difference in drying efficiency between $K_2CO_3$ 2% and $K_2CO_3$ 3%. In rye, however, no moisture reduction by chemicals was observed. The days required for field dry were 6, 4, and 3 days at warly heading heading and bloom stage respectively; regardless of chemical drying agents and conbol. The nutritive value of rye hay with chemicals at baling was very slightly higher than control, but there was no significant difference. Also, no difference of hay quality was found among drying agents. In conclusion, $K_2CO_3$can enhance the field drying rate of alfalfa hay, but the drying efficiency was not high, particularly in rye hay. Harvesting at early heading to heading stage was desirable for manufacture of high quality rye hay.