AgraTronix BHT-1 Manual Del Operador página 5

Testing Procedure and Information
1. While a bale is being formed in the bale chamber, the BHT-1 reads and
averages several tests and displays these results every two seconds. Typi-
cally, moisture readings will vary several percentage points in a single bale.
Windrows are never the same moisture from top to bottom. Usually, they
will be wetter at the top, because of dew, or drier, because of sun and wind.
Usually, hay that is ready to bale varies less than hay that is not yet ready.
2. Continuous readings from the BHT-1 and other manufacturers' meters will
usually be higher than reading from handheld, portable or probe testers.
The BHT-1 will probably read about 2-3 percentage points higher on aver-
age, and even higher for large, square bales, depending on conditions.
3. Do not be concerned that these differences exist. Rather, develop a feel for
an acceptable range of moisture for baling, based on your meter's readings.
Establish an appropriate range by spot checking new bales with a portable
probe tester, such as a HT-PRO or DHT-1.
4. Hay moisture can vary considerably from one part of a fi eld to another. (See
Testing Information.) If the moisture range displayed by the BHT-1 increas-
es above your acceptable limits, stop baling and analyze the fi eld conditions
to determine why. You may not want to continue baling in this area of the
fi eld.
Variables Affecting Moisture Readings
Understanding the many variables that affect the readings of your BHT-1 will
help you get the most from your meter.
1. Field conditions: soil moisture, high or low areas, swales and shady areas
all affect hay moisture within the same fi eld.
2. Hay varieties, leaf-to-stem ratios, crop maturity and different cuttings con-
tribute to widely varying moisture distribution in hay plants.
3. Harvesting variables: bale density, windrow size and shape, time of day, hay
temperature and overall climatic conditions affect moisture readings. High
humidity with cloud cover contributes to more variations in moisture read-
ings than a dry, sunny day with a slight breeze.
4. Some preservatives increase conductivity initially. Until the preservative is
absorbed, usually in 1-2 days, it may cause readings to be 2-4 points above
the same hay which is untreated.
IMPORTANT: Because of the numerous variables which affect your
BHT-1's readings, the indicated moisture content should not be used
as an absolute, quantitative measurement. Your tester's readings are,
however, very useful guidelines for safely baling and storing hay.
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