Range of moisture content, Hay temperature, Curing – Delmhorst Instrument F-6 & F-6/6-30 User Manual
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Range of Moisture Content
The F-6 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range of
6%-30% or 13-40%, depending on model. Readings over
30% should be used only as a qualitative indication of high
moisture content. Delmhorst moisture meters use the relation-
ship existing between electrical conductivity and moisture con-
tent in hay. As moisture content increases, so does the con-
ductivity.
Tests on hay at high moisture content, over 25%, are less
accurate. This is mostly due to the variability in moisture
distribution. The reduced level of accuracy in the high range
does not significantly affect the usefulness of the meter, as a
few high readings indicate that some action be taken to dry
the hay to avoid spoilage or even self-combustion.
While it is important to note the average of several readings,
it is even more important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
Hay Temperature
The F-6 has been calibrated at 80°F on various samples of dif-
ferent types of hay, mostly alfalfa, and on different cuttings
and mixtures. The higher the temperature of the sample, the
higher the meter readings will be. Temperatures lower than
80°F cause lower meter readings. The correction is approxi-
mately 1% for every 20° difference. Refer to chart below:
Hay temperature
Add to reading
Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C
3
--
40°F/ 5°C
2
--
60°F/15°C
1
--
80°F/30°C
0
0
100°F/40°C
--
1
120°F/50°C
--
2
140°F/60°C
--
3
Example
Meter reading:
22%
Temperature:
40°F/5°C
Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2)
Curing
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in mois-
ture content should be expected in both recently baled hay and
hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed by meter
readings taken on different parts of the windrow or bale.
The
higher the moisture range, the wider the variations. The more
curing has been allowed to take place, the greater uniformity
in moisture distribution can be expected.
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