Summary

The risk and impact of spontaneous combustion in Australian stored hay is well established. In the last 18 months, Country Fire Authority responded to more than 50 haystack-fires in Victoria alone
Haystack fires have two primary causes;

Mechanical ignition via spark, external heat source etc.
Spontaneous combustion, whereby hay physical and environmental factors lead to self-generation of heat via microbial activity.

The contribution of moisture and storage practices such as aeration are well known, and the monitoring and management of these parameters is commonly educated2.
This project focuses on a less understood element of Australian hay’s spontaneous combustion, namely the associated microbiological flora.
The study will utilise several innovative approaches to achieve returns to Australian fodder industry, with targeted outcome to; Detect, Select, Assess, Prevent spontaneous combustion through Bio Control.

Program

Export Fodder

Research Organisation

Independent Quality Compliance Pty Ltd