The rate of moisture release of alfalfa and its mixtures with cereal grasses under dynamic flow flattering

Abstract

Purpose. To experimentally substantiate the effectiveness of the processes of mowing alfalfa and alfalfa-cereal mixtures with mower-conditioners with a roller and hammer types working bodies. Methods. The research was carried out in the technological process of intensive harvesting of pressed hay into rolls with the use of a trailed mower-conditioner with side traction, equipped with chevron ribbed rollers and metal vshaped hammers. Raw material: freshly cut green mass of alfalfa in the phase of budding-the beginning of flowering; alfalfa-cereal mixture (perennial ryegrass ‒ at the beginning of earing), the share of cereal grasses ‒ 22.4-36.8% of dry matter. Results. It was established that the indicators of the intensity of dehydration for alfalfa in pure crops were 1.66-1.81%/h; alfalfa-perennial fenugreek mixture ‒ 1.24-1.48%/h (I and II mowers), drying time in optimal weather conditions ‒ 3 days. The technology of active field drying of leguminous grasses with the use of a disc mower-tender with roller and bitter working bodies involving wideband stacking of the mass for drying, significantly accelerated the rate of moisture release of leguminous grasses and mixtures. Harvesting technology involves: mowing with a disc mower with flattening and stacking of the mass in a wide-band roll; one-time turning at 60-65% humidity; introduction of preservatives. The capacity of the rolls when mowing according to the technology variants was: for the Sinyuha variety alfalfa ‒ 12.9 kg/running m, for the alfalfa-cereal mixture (with perennial fenugreek of the Ruslana variety) ‒ 15.3 kg/running m. Conclusions. To intensively increase the rate of field moisture transfer of the green mass of alfalfa and its mixtures with perennial fenugreek, it is advisable to use the process of the stream dynamic flattening (under favorable weather conditions) and combine it with wide-band stacking. The prepared pressed bean hay is suitable for long-term storage and can be used in feeding all sex and age groups of ruminants.