Researches on drying the clover through aeration to obtain hay

Abstract

Harvesting, preparation and conservation of hay is a frequent method for harvesting fodder from grasslands and forage crops, especially from the hill and mountain areas. The greatest losses of nutrients are obtained by traditional drying on the stubble of the hay. These losses are in the case of unfavourable weather even at 50 ... 60%, the drying time increasing to over 6 ... 8 days. This paper presents the results of the experimental researches achieved within a new technology for shortening the time from harvesting the clover to obtaining the hay at storage humidity. A pilot ventilation installation with a monitoring and control system for working processes was used to carry out the research. During the experiments, the parameters of the aeration agent were measured: temperature and humidity, as well as clover mass characteristics: humidity, temperature, drying uniformity.