Reducing Baler Losses in Arid Climates by Steam Re-Hydration

Abstract

<abstract><title><italic>Abstract. </italic></title> Low-pressure steam was directed onto alfalfa hay at the baler pick-up and pre-compression chamber to reduce leaf loss typically associated with daytime baling in arid climates. The steam quickly softened plant tissue, resulting in reduced losses and greater bale density. Both large square and 3-tie balers were used to bale dry hay during the day with steam re-hydration and at night when dew re-hydration was apparent. Compared to baling with dew re-hydration, steam re-hydration significantly reduced baler losses by an average of 58% (1.2% to 0.5%, respectively) for large square balers and 43% (0.7% to 0.4%, respectively) for 3-tie balers. Although not quantified, visual observation of steam re-hydrated alfalfa bales indicated that leaf retention on the stems was superior to that of bales formed with dew re-hydration. Compared to bales formed with dew re-hydration, steam re-hydration increased bale density by an average of 20% and 30% for large and 3-tie bales, respectively. Bale nutrient composition was not affected by re-hydration method. Diesel fuel use for steam generation typically varied between 3.2 and 4.2 L/Mg of hay and water use varied between 38 and 50 L/Mg of hay.