Grass drying commonly used methods
First, room temperature ventilation drying, also known as "grass warehouse drying," involves using high-speed airflow to quickly dry semi-dry grass. This process can be considered a supplementary step in hay production. It is commonly used in wet and rainy regions of the United States. For drier grass, the stems are usually crushed in the field and formed into ridge rows or small piles before being dried in the grass storage area. The moisture content should be reduced to around 35% to 40% before final drying. The grass storage facility must be airtight, with large vent holes installed to help remove moisture efficiently. The main equipment includes an electric blower and a set of ventilation ducts installed on the floor of the storage area. The semi-dry grass is loosely stacked on top of these ducts, with the layer thickness depending on the moisture content—typically between 3 to 5 meters. Cold or warm air is blown through the main duct and then distributed through the branch pipes, passing from the bottom up through the grass stack to remove moisture. The wind speed must be carefully controlled so that humidity inside the storage does not exceed 70% to 80%. If it goes above 90%, the surface of the haystack may become excessively moist. Compared to traditional field drying, ventilated hay retains more leaves, has a greener color, and contains about three to four times more carotene.
Second, the low-temperature drying method uses heated air to dry grass. The drying temperature typically ranges from 50°C to 70°C, taking about 5 to 6 hours, while higher temperatures like 120°C to 150°C can complete the process in just 5 to 30 minutes. Whole grass is placed in shallow trays or on a conveyor belt and sent into a drying chamber or furnace. Most heat sources are solid fuels, such as wood or coal. Shallow tray dryers can produce 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of hay per day, while conveyor belt dryers can handle 200 to 1,000 kilograms per hour. This method is particularly popular among small ranches due to its efficiency and lower energy costs. It allows for better preservation of nutrients and quality compared to high-temperature drying methods. Additionally, this technique helps maintain the natural structure of the grass, reducing leaf loss and improving the overall nutritional value of the final product.
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