In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of mois...In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of moisture content including 14%-17%, 17% -20%, and 20%-23% (wb) were considered in this study. Bale densities considered in this research were 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, and 140-150 kg/m3. The study was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications and a small rectangular baler was used to bale the second cut alfalfa. Alfalfa losses were measured in the pickup system and compression chamber of baler and losses were separated to stems and leaves. Alfalfa losses were also determined during the bale transportation process. Results showed that alfalfa moisture content had significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process while; leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were not affected by alfalfa moisture content. Results also revealed that the bale density had no significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process but leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were significantly affected by the bale density.展开更多
文摘In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of moisture content including 14%-17%, 17% -20%, and 20%-23% (wb) were considered in this study. Bale densities considered in this research were 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, and 140-150 kg/m3. The study was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications and a small rectangular baler was used to bale the second cut alfalfa. Alfalfa losses were measured in the pickup system and compression chamber of baler and losses were separated to stems and leaves. Alfalfa losses were also determined during the bale transportation process. Results showed that alfalfa moisture content had significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process while; leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were not affected by alfalfa moisture content. Results also revealed that the bale density had no significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process but leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were significantly affected by the bale density.