These data were obtained on small experimental upright silos and should be close to weights for trench or bunker silos. They show a 14 percent increase in dry matter storage with the finer chop, indicating that finer silage chop results in firmer packing in the silo. Table III gives suggested storage structures, chop length, and recutter screen sizes for harvesting corn silage. Firm Packing A firm pack is necessary to reduce oxidative losses. Weight of the ensiled forage largely determines the pack obtained in upright silos.
Tractors are effective for packing horizontal silos.
Most horizontal silos will be packed by either payloaders or tractors with rubber tires. Both pack well if silage is added in thin layers. Crawler tractors finish the top more smoothly and appear to reduce top spoilage of uncovered silos compared with packing by payloaders or tractors with rubber tires. Continue packing for about a half hour after the last load has been spread each day. Crown the silo so rain water will drain off and unsupported and unpacked edges will be eliminated.