It often concentrates in the silo room and moves into the barn. It leaves a yellow stain on silage, wood or other materials it contacts. But by taking precautions, you may fertilize at recommended rates for maximum production of silage crops without fear of nitrogen dioxide production. Since this includes both N in the soil and that applied, follow the recommendations on soil analysis reports. Keep fields relatively free of weeds.
Weeds can make silage dangerous even though there is no nitrate in the corn itself.
After a drought, plants rapidly take up nitrate following rain. So, harvest the crop before fall rains, or wait at least five days after a rain. Plants damaged by hail or frost should be harvested immediately before they take up nitrates. Most nitrates are in the lower stalk. However, take care to avoid possible exposure for 10 days after filling the silo, and when opening the silo for feeding.