The following are some of several key problems of – and solutions to – producing high-quality corn silage, offered by Keith Bolsen, professor emeritus and forage management specialist with Kansas State University. For ways to prevent high shrink losses in bunker silos and drive-over piles and to reduce effluent or seepage problems, click here.
Problem: Excessive surface spoilage in sealed bunker silos and drive-over piles.
Solutions:
Pack to a minimum density of 15 lbs of dry matter/cu ft – within the top 3' of the silage surface.
Don't let the back, front or sides of bunkers or piles exceed a 3:1 slope; keep all surfaces smooth so water drains off easily.
Seal the bunker or pile surface immediately after filling.
Two polyethylene sheets or a sheet of oxygen barrier film under a sheet of plastic are preferred over a single sheet of plastic.
Overlap sheets on the forage surface by a minimum of 4-6'.
Extend sheets at least 6' past the edge of the forage surface around the entire perimeter of drive-over piles.
Put uniform weights on the plastic's entire surface; double the weight on overlapped plastic or film. Recommended weight options include: bias-ply truck sidewall disks and sandbags filled with pea gravel. Full-casing tires are used less and less because they are cumbersome, messy and provide a mosquito breeding area.
Use a 6-12" layer of sand or soil, or sandbags, to weigh sheets at the perimeters of drive-over piles.
Keep plastic in good shape during the entire storage period to prevent rodent or other damage. Mow surrounding area or build temporary fencing and regularly inspect and repair plastic.
