Windrow

The term windrow refers to a row of cut or mowed hay or small grain crop. The hay is raked into a row with a hay rake after being cut by a mower or scythe. For smaller grains, a swather simultaneously cuts the crop and forms a windrow. Placement of the hay in a windrow allows hay to dry faster before baling with a baler.^[1]

The term can also apply to other types of debris piled in a long continuous row^[2] created during site preparation or clearing operations.^[3]

For example, in snow removal, a snow windrow (also called a snow berm) is the portion of snow dispersed in a long row at the sides of the roadway after being plowed by a snowplow.^[4]

A windrow is also a build-up of material along newly formed roads or graded earthworks. Dump trucks that disperse and lay down heaps of roadbuilding material for gathering by a paving machine also form a windrow.^[5]

In composting, a windrow applies to the concept of open composting -- compost is laid down in a row, left to stand, and regularly turned over until it reaches the required stage for use.^[6]

[edit] References

1. ↑ Farming: Why is a windrow called a windrow? Yahoo Answers, 2008-09-30.
2. ↑ Glossary. PFMT.org, 2008-09-30.
3. ↑ LeBlanc, John W. Resources: Foresty Stewardship Glossary. University of California, 2008-09-30.
4. ↑ Snow Windrow Removal. RichmondHill.ca, 2008-09-30.
5. ↑ Farming: Why is a windrow called a windrow? Yahoo Answers, 2008-09-30.
6. ↑ FAQs. Commercial Composting, 2008-09-30.