Delmhorst Instrument F-6 & F-6/6-30 - Manual (Page 9)

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The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the
care spent in sampling the hay to be tested. Whether hay in
the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of tests made
should be increased whenever the initial readings show
considerable variations.
Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average” density. Generally:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% lower.
hTests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
hTests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of
the bale, not between them. This will ensure firmer and more
uniform contact.
Use of Preservatives
Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on
meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preser-
vative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had
not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4%,
and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings between the
bales tend to equalize.
Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the
effect of the increased conductivity due to the stabilizer, the
bales tested also show an increase in temperature and
“sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly
absorbed and the sweating subsides, the meter readings
recede to the initial level and will continue to decrease,
assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer.
F-6 manual B&W_F-6 manual B&W.qxp 1/25/13 11:40 AM Page 9