Less obvious losses are leaching of nutrients from the hay, respiration and leaf shattering. Variation in the amount of damage encountered was the result of prior mechanical treatments, amount and frequency of rainfall and the percent moisture in the hay when rainfall occurred. One partial solution to reducing these losses is to shorten the time the hay cures in the field. Until recently, mechanical conditioners or crimpers have been the only practical method available to encourage faster drying. Rain damage is also higher on crimped hay because of leaching and increased moisture uptake.
Conditioners also require continual adjustment to function properly.
Several chemical drying agents are now on the market. These chemical drying agents are applied to the standing hay from units mounted on the swather. These chemicals break down the waxy cuticle layer on the stem, which increases the rate of moisture loss. A second benefit is that leaves are not as brittle when the hay is baled, resulting in less leaf loss. A major problem at this time is the need to carry large quantities of the drying agent mixture on the swather.