Abstract
Small rectangular bales of alfalfa were successfully dried using two forced-air drying systems with heat from LP gas, solar energy (with off-peak electricity on some tests) or ambient air, and with average dry matter densities of alfalfa ranging from 80 to 166 kg/m3 (5.0-10.4 lb/ft3) with average moisture contents up to 37% (w.b.). The drying rates, pressure requirements for forced flow, psychrometric data, and hay quality before and after drying are reported. The data and a developed ″drying parameter″ for small rectangular alfalfa bales provide guidance for design of baled hay dryers.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 607-615 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Mar 1992 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)