Process and apparatus to improve the properties and value of forage crops

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the treatment of forage material and other agricultural plants by crushing and impact maceration. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable, generally cylindrical crushing rollers and a rotatable impact rotor having outwardly extending projections such as fins. Forage material is first passed between the crushing rollers where force applied to the rollers flattens the tubular structure of the plant stem, splitting or creating longitudinal cracks and making the plant fiber more compliant and ribbon-like. Additional maceration occurs as the crushed material is next impacted by the impact rotor, resulting in further splitting and separation of the stems into ribbons. The resultant macerated forage material produced may be subsequently pressed into mats for accelerated field drying. The mats could then be harvested by either baling or chopping when the desired moisture content is achieved. Optionally the apparatus may be provided with a mower positioned forwardly of the crushing rollers to mow forage material in the field for feed or transport to the crushing rollers.