METHODS OF EXPEDITING DRYING RATES OF CHOPPED ALFALFA

Fresh chopped alfalfa (65 to 80% moisture content) and prewilted chopp ed alfalfa (20 to 40% moisture content) were treated mechanically and chemically and then were dried in a thin layer drier. Stems crushed be tween smooth and flat surfaces or between two longitudinally grooved r ollers dried three times faster than the uncrushed stems. Repeated cru shing of up to three passes increased the drying rate, compared to a s ingle crushing. The application of potassium carbonate reduced drying time by half in fresh alfalfa but did not decrease the drying time of prewilted alfalfa. At both moisture levels, leaves dried twice as fast as crushed stems and four times faster than uncrushed stems.