Final Hay Cutting and Biomass Assessment for the Season at the Snyder Farm

Samples were collected from 24 sub-plots in the two research blocks. Half from control areas not impacted by the solar panel arrays, and half from the experimental areas between the solar panel arrays. Half-meter squares were randomly placed in the sub-plots (left picture). The trimmed hay from each sample collection area were placed into a paper bags that were numbered to identify their location in the field (middle picture). Fresh weight of each sample was measured. The samples were then dried in an industrial oven for >48 hours and dry weight measured.

Four-inch PVC legs were used to raise the squares and guide the sample collection process by maintaining a uniform trim height above ground level. This allows for consistent sampling at each location and prevents cutting the hay too short.

The hay was cut in a manner that left three windrows between the solar arrays and the control area. After a few days, a moisture meter is used to ensure the hay was sufficiently dry for bailing. Twenty-five foot sections of each sub-plot were gathered into bins and weighed (left). A small sample from each sub-plot was bagged and sent for quality analysis (center). Lastly, the hay was bailed and donated to local farms (right).