Methods of Expediting Drying Rates of Chopped Alfalfa

Fresh chopped alfalfa (65 to 80% moisture content) and prewilted chopped alfalfa (20 to 40% moisture content) were treated mechanically and chemically and then were dried in a thin layer drier. Stems crushed between smooth and flat surfaces or between two longitudinally grooved rollers dried three times faster than the uncrushed stems. Repeated crushing of up to three passes increased the drying rate, compared to a single 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.