Elaine Chapman, Countryside Management Division, Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture Silage effluent is one of the most concentrated and harmful pollutants on the farm. In fact it is 300 times more polluting than untreated domestic sewage. Even small amounts entering a watercourse can have rapid and devastating effects on fish and plant life for a long way downstream. In Northern Ireland last year, over a third of all recorded pollution incidents were due to silage effluent reaching watercourses.
Extreme care is essential when collecting, storing and land spreading silage effluent.
Wilt to reduce effluent production When weather conditions are suitable wilting grass can reduce the volume of silage effluent to be handled dramatically. Where wilting is not an option ensure all silage effluent is collected in suitably sized effluent-proof below ground tanks. Allow a minimum tank capacity of 3m3 per 150 m3 of silo capacity. Dilute effluent one to one with water to avoid scorching grass. Apply to land where there is no chance of run off entering open drains or watercourses directly.