K-HAY - PROGRESS AND POTENTIAL.

Abstract

Lucerne hay is a high-value animal feed, produced with relatively low energy inputs, but losses of digestible dry matter during harvesting are often in excess of 20%, and closely related to field-drying time. Laboratory and field work has demonstrated that the field drying time of lucerne can be substantially reduced by the application of small quantities of potassium carbonate solution during harvesting, with benefits to both the reliability and yield of hay. This process - now called 'K-Hay' - is being used successfully by a number of farmers. Original work is reviewed, results of recent field tests are reported, and potential developments of the process discussed.