It usually takes three to five hours to apply the proper amount of ammonia to the stack. When ammonia is being applied, the stack should be checked about every hour to make sure the process is proceeding normally. After 1 to 2 days, the ammonia will be absorbed into the hay. As a general rule, hay should remain sealed under the plastic for about 30 days before feeding. When the hay is ready to feed, the plastic can be cut at ground level to expose only the number of bales to be removed from the stack.
Plastic remains over the rest of the hay to help keep it dry.
In most cases, bale weight and dry matter percentage will be estimates. 2339 lbs ammonia to treat the hay. Nontreated hays were low in quality and typical of most hay produced in Florida. Ammoniation increased CP concentration of the hays. Although CP concentration of hay is increased by ammoniation, other nutritional effects are usually more important.