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Uneven ripening

Most silos are filled with maize from different fields. Depending on location, there can be major differences in ripening: different soils, weather conditions, altitude differences and therefore differences in water and light availability, etc. This makes harvesting more difficult because it also affects ensiling. Depending on the extent of these differences, it may make sense to separate the harvest to secure silage quality. If this is not possible, the rule is: drier material at the bottom and wetter material on top. The reason is simple: the wetter the material, the better it can be compacted – and that is often where problems occur in the upper layers.

Rain

In addition to field accessibility and fluctuating dry matter levels, continuous rain during harvest creates further problems. First, the risk of contamination increases – dirt sticks more easily to wet leaves, and tractor tires transporting and compacting the material bring more soil into the silo. Second, the number of natural lactic acid bacteria on the plant decreases, significantly increasing the risk of a faulty fermentation. In such cases, a suitable silage additive should definitely be used and, if possible, the harvest should be postponed.

Dry damage

Excessively high dry matter levels not only reduce feed quality. They also make compaction more difficult, which significantly increases oxygen exposure. Adjusting chop length can help somewhat, but only to a limited extent. The risks here are reheating and mold formation.

Heat during ensiling

We sometimes receive complaints that a silo has heated up significantly. These usually occur when temperatures drop and the silo appears to be “steaming”. However, this is often not reheating but simply residual heat from high temperatures during harvest. In such a silo, heat can be retained for weeks, and when outside temperatures fall, it naturally starts to steam. The ensiling process itself is not affected—unless the material quality was poor. If the face cools down quickly, it is a sign of residual heat. If, however, the feed face is warmer than the inside of the silo, this indicates reheating and should be examined more closely.

Helpful support

These are just a few examples; many other situations can occur. Using a suitable silage additive can help reduce these uncertainties and secure silage quality.
Here you will find the right little helpers for all eventualities.