Why Use a Hay Baler?
Some growers who use plastic mulch also bale hay. If they can use a hay baler to collect plastic mulch, it would save purchasing a dedicated machine. Plastic wrapped up in a big round bale would facilitate hauling and disposal. Use of a Hay Baler to Collect Plastic Mulch A round hay baler has been tested for plastic collection (Figure 1). The plastic must be lifted and loosened in the normal manner before attempting collection. Unlike the recommendations for pickup of mulch by a dedicated mulch collector, plant residue is an advantage when using a hay baler. Plant residue on top of the mulch (Figure 2) helps carry the plastic through the baler without plugging. When picking up clean mulch was attempted, the plastic almost immediately plugged the pickup teeth of the baler, but when the mulch was covered with watermelon vines and weeds, the mat of plastic and plant material was conveyed into the baler without any problems. The downside of having the plant residue in the bale is that the
