If the water content of stored hay, e.g. in a haystack, is too high, fungal and bacterial growth may occur. In these processes, energy is released in the form of heat, which leads to an increase of temperature within the haystack. In the worst case, the temperature inside the hay can rise so much that the hay ignites itself.
The operator of the haystack is obliged to regularly monitor the stored hay (fire police regulations). Failure to comply with this monitoring obligation can be punished as negligent arson in an emergency. Failure to do so can also lead to loss of insurance coverage!
The water content of the hay can be measured before it is put into the haystack, for example on the loading wagon or during drying with the hay probe. In general, a water content of less than 14% is considered harmless. In this way, a decision can be made before storage as to whether the hay still needs to be dried or whether the water content is low enough for safe storage.
The humimeter FLS With its two-meter-long lance, it enables easy control of the moisture content and temperature, even in the deep layers of the haystack.
By a regular and good monitoring, emerging heat spots or moisture spots can be detected and treated at an early stage.
