ABSTRACT
Particularly in dry climates, hay bales may be stored
outside, either in a stack or individually. They may be laid
on the soil surface or on various pads (concrete, gravel,
etc.) or pallets to minimize water absorption by the
bottom layer of bales. In wetter climates, covering stacks
of bales with a plastic tarp minimizes losses from water
absorption and subsequent respiration and heating of the
hay by the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Large
round bales are often stored individually on their sides
(Fig. 2), and the top half of the circumference of the bale
may be covered with polyethylene film to help shed
rainfall.
