Bunker silos
Bunker silos are a type of silo used to store haylage or corn silage. They are a more economical and safe alternative to ground pile storage. However, the quality of a bunker silo’s forage can vary significantly, depending on the method of ensiling and the management of the facility.
The key to minimizing bunker silo loss is proper site selection, sizing, packing, covering and rodent control. Also, the use of a research-proven silage inoculant and proper harvest moisture can minimize fermentation and spoilage losses. When building bunker silos, it is important to choose an elevated location so that rain and snow can drain away from the structure instead of toward it. It is also a good idea to cover the bunker silo as soon as it is finished filling. The earlier the bunker silo is covered, the less time it is exposed to aerobic conditions and precipitation. This reduces feed loss and increases animal productivity.
Bag silos
Silo bags are a versatile and cost-effective alternative to steel used silos for sale for storing grains. They are also easy to handle. However, their use requires careful inspection of the bags to prevent damage to the flexible liner. Liner punctures should be repaired as soon as possible using the appropriate sealant or tapes (not duct tape) available from bag dealers. It is also important to remove snow from the bags to allow inspection of the interior.
Generally, a silo bag is made of three layers of coextruded polyethylene with a total thickness of 250 microns. The outer layer is typically white in color to reflect solar radiation, while the inner layer is dark to impede sunlight. These bags can be used to store wheat (up to 200 tons), maize, paddy and soybeans. They are also recommended for storage of high moisture grain. Nevertheless, they are not as reliable as steel silos. This is because they do not have a complete temperature control system and ventilation that ensures the proper maintenance of the stored grain.
Silage piles
When evaluating an existing bunker silo for conversion to dry storage, it’s important to consider the structural soundness of the structure and whether or not it is hooped or reinforced enough to store dry grain. Also, the walls must be able to withstand pressure from the weight of the dry grain. It’s best to contact the original manufacturer of the silo if it is not clear how much pressure will be exerted on the walls by the load of dry grain.
Piles made by simply blowing or elevating the silage onto bare soil suffer significant spoilage losses and are not economical storage alternatives. It’s essential to keep workers safe when working around large piles of silage. Use the buddy system when working near piled silage and be sure to wear high-visibility clothing.