Leikkuutuun

Leikkuutuun is a Finnish term used to describe a way of cropping hay for drying. The word is derived from two Finnish words, "leikkuu", meaning "crops" or "lawn", and "tunnus", meaning "mark" or "symbol". This method is typically used for drying grass, particularly timothy and meadow grass, for use as hay.

The leikkuutuun system involves cutting the grass, particularly during the early stages of growth when the plants are still green and succulent. The cut material is then spread out in a thin layer, usually about 10-20 cm, to encourage air circulation and drying. This method allows for an even drying of the material, promoting a better quality of hay.

The benefits of using the leikkuutun method for hay production are the preservation of nutritional value and the quality of the hay when dry. The even drying also makes the bailing process simpler, as the forage is already in its optimal state for storage and transportation. Additionally, the leikkuutun method often allows farmers to harvest forage that may have been difficult or unreachable through traditional methods.

Leikkuutun hay drying can be performed using different infrastructure, ranging from simple rakes and drays, to more complex machines specially designed for the purpose. Special care must be taken during the cutting and spreading process to ensure even drying, which in turn minimizes spoilage and the eventual loss of hay quality.

The research on leikkuutun documentation has shown that this type of drying results in well-preserved, nutrient-rich hay samples. Overall, leikkuutun is a valuable means of drying grass for forage, balancing production efficiency and hay quality.