Determining Moisture Content Using a Microwave
- Cut a representative cross-section of forage from the windrow.
- Cut the sample into 0.6 cm (1/4 in.) pieces.
- Weigh 100 grams of the material and place it on a paper plate or bag.
- Spread the sample out evenly and place it in microwave on high heat for three to four minutes.
- Weigh the sample and record the weight.
- Stir the sample and place it in microwave on high heat for one minute. Reweigh it and record the weight.
- Repeat step six until the weight loss is less than one gram. This is the dry weight.
Calculation: wet wt. grams - dry wt. grams /100 = percent moisture
Determining Moisture Content of Forage by Hand Method
| Forage squeezed in hand | Moisture % |
| Water easily squeezed out and material holds shape | 80+ |
| Water can just be squeezed out and material holds shape | 75-80 |
| Little or no water can be squeezed out but material holds shape | 70-75 |
| No water can be squeezed out and material falls apart slowly | 60-70 |
| No water can be squeezed out and material falls apart rapidly | 60 or less |