Proper drainage in and around bunker silos is critical to maintaining high quality feed as well as protecting water quality in and around the dairy operation. Silage leachate is an environmental problem on many farms. Leachate control systems should be part of the design of all new silos, whether the silo is a bunker or a tower, and must be an integral part of the complete water quality control system for the facility. It can also have high nutrient vales for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These high concentrations of BOD, acid, and ammonia in the juice cause septic odors, vegetation burn and fish kills.
Tower silos produce silage juice during and immediately after filling.
On the other hand, Bunkers can produce juices during the entire year because rainfall is added continuously. Silage storage in plastic bags can produce effluent when the bags are opened. The amount of effluent produced depends on several factors, including moisture content of the silage, amount of precipitation and resultant runoff from the site. It is important to design a system to contain all runoff from the bunker silo, loading aprons, and surrounding areas. All rainfall that does not fall directly on the bunker and apron areas should be diverted away from the site to reduce the amount of contaminated water that must be contained and treated.