Making silage in clamp

Creating silage in a clamp, also known as a bunker or trench silo, is a practical method for preserving forage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Site Selection: Choose a well-drained site with good soil compaction to reduce the risk of water infiltration and spoilage.

2. Preparation of Clamp: Create a rectangular or trapezoidal pit by excavating the ground. The size depends on the amount of forage you have. Ensure proper dimensions for easy packing and compaction.

3. Base Compaction: Compact the pit’s base using heavy machinery to create a firm surface. This prevents air from entering from the bottom.

4. Spread a Layer of Plastic: Line the pit with heavy-duty plastic sheeting. This helps seal the silage and prevents contact with soil, reducing contamination.

5. Harvesting and Chopping: Harvest the forage at the right stage and chop it into small pieces. Faster chopping helps in achieving uniform particle size.

6. Layering and Packing: Begin by placing a thin layer of chopped forage (about 6-8 inches) on the plastic sheet. Use a tractor or specialized packing equipment to compact the layer firmly.

7. Additive Application (Optional): Depending on the forage moisture and conditions, additives like inoculants or acids can be applied to enhance fermentation.

8. Continue Layering and Packing: Alternate between layers of chopped forage and compaction. Each layer should be thoroughly packed to eliminate air pockets.

9. Top Layer and Compaction: Finish with a final layer of forage on top, slightly higher than the sides of the pit. Compact it well to create a uniform surface.

10. Plastic Covering: Fold the plastic sheet over the top layer of forage, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Use tires, sandbags, or heavy objects to hold the plastic in place.

11. Oxygen Exclusion: The plastic cover creates an airtight seal, preventing oxygen from entering the clamp and promoting anaerobic fermentation.

12. Weighting and Covering: Place additional weighted materials, like tires or heavy boards, on top of the plastic to create pressure. This further aids in excluding air and promoting compaction.

13. Fermentation Period: Allow the forage to ferment. The fermentation process can take several weeks, during which sugars are converted to lactic acid, lowering the pH and preserving the forage.

14. Sealing the Edges: Ensure the edges of the plastic are well-sealed to prevent air infiltration. This can be done with additional soil or sandbags.

15. Opening the Clamp: After the fermentation period, carefully remove the weighted materials, unfold the plastic cover, and expose the silage. The top layer might show some spoilage, but the underlying silage should be well-preserved.

16. Feeding: As you feed the silage to livestock, remember to remove the top spoiled layer and keep the rest covered to maintain quality.

Making silage in a clamp involves careful layering, compaction, and proper sealing to create a controlled anaerobic environment for fermentation. The resulting silage provides a valuable source of nutrition for livestock.