| 摘要 |
Material for drying cut plants includes a drying agent providing a basic pH of at least 11 and becoming at least partially insoluble at a pH no greater than approximately 13.4. Such agent saponifies the wax on the stems as the plant dries and as the pH of the drying agent accordingly increases. Such agent is selected from a group consisting of the carbonates, phosphates and silicates, and a combination of the hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates, of at least one of sodium and potassium. The drying agent may have a concentration of about 3 to 6 pounds per ton of dried cut plants. The material also includes a mold inhibiting agent having properties of remaining inactive until the occurrence in the plant of conditions inducing molding and of then reacting with the moisture to inhibit mold formation. Such agent may be selected from a group consisting of acids and acid salts of at least one of propionic, acetic, sorbic, carboxylic and other fatty acids. Such agent may have a concentration between approximately 21/2 and 5 pounds per ton of dried cut plants. The plants may be bent, and the material may then be applied to the plants, to facilitate the direction of a spray along the stems and leaves of the plants. After the plants are cut, the plants may be assembled into a high, loosely packed windrow or the plants may be laid flat on the ground. When the plants in the windrow have dried, the windrow is turned over and is baled shortly thereafter.
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