As a result, the fermentation process can begin, through which high-quality and high-energy feed is produced. Grass clippings, maize and other types of grain or green plants such as clover and alfalfa are used as raw materials for a silage.
Silage films and silo sandbags
In order to seal a silage airtight, the special silage film is used, which is spread over the raw materials. In order for these films to withstand the effects of the weather, they must be extremely tear-proof and UV-resistant. In addition, they must not allow any gases to escape in order to enable the fermentation process at all. Silage sheets are often used with
Silo sandbags are placed on the edges of the silage film to weigh down and, in the case of larger silages, also on the surface so that the film cannot be blown away in strong winds. Compared to other materials such as car tires or sand, they are much quicker and easier to lay and just as easy to remove. A practical handle makes handling these bags particularly easy. With many providers, however, the filling of these bags is not made of sand, but of round gravel, which has the advantage that Rainwater can flow out of the sacks quickly and does not accumulate there. Because of their long shelf life, silo sandbags can be used for many years.
Thicknesses and dimensions
Silage sheets are available in thin and somewhat thicker designs. The thickness of this material is specified in micrometers (µm) and is between 120 and 200, which corresponds to a thickness of 0.125 to 0.2 millimeters. Particularly thick foils, which can be used over a period of several years, are even 500 µm, i.e. half a millimeter thick. There are also big differences in width: the products on offer here start with a width of four meters and are available for large silages in dimensions of up to 20 meters. Silage films are sold on rolls, the lengths of which can be up to several hundred meters in length.
Prices
For silage films with an average thickness of 150 µm on a roll 4 meters wide and 25 meters long the prices are in the range of 60 to 75 euros per roll, i.e. the equivalent of 0.60 to 0.75 euros per roll Square meters. A slightly cheaper price per square meter of around EUR 0.50 results for the larger widths and lengths.
Silo sandbags are available with and without filling. Without filling, they cost around 70 cents each over a length of one meter, with filling the prices are between one and two euros per piece. However, they are usually only offered in larger packaging units of at least 50 pieces.
Editor's tip
Gardeners can use silage film primarily to cover a seed. A is created under the foil greenhouseeffect that improves the growing conditions. However, it should be ensured that it does not get too hot under the foil cover!