Silage Storage Tanks

Silage is grass or other green fodder that is compacted and stored in airtight conditions, without being dried beforehand, and used as animal feed in the winter.

It is usually made from grass crops such as maize, sorghum or other cereals, using the entire green plant. It is fermented and stored in a process called ensilage, ensiling or silaging.

When it comes to making silage it is normally produced by either:

• Putting cut green vegetation in a silo or pit; piling the vegetation in a big heap and compressing it down to eliminate as much oxygen as possible, then covering it with a plastic sheet or;
   
• By wrapping large round bales tightly in plastic film. 

Why is it so important to store silage safely?

The safe storage of silage is essential as it has a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of up to 200 times that of raw sewage. If it were to enter a watercourse, it would rapidly strip oxygen from the water, killing fish, plants and other aquatic life. 

Silage is also highly acidic so will attack steel and concrete surfaces, causing deterioration of cracks and joints in silo floors, collection channels and tanks, making it very difficult to contain and collect all the effluent.

Our silage effluent tanks are available in sizes that range from 5,000 litres to more than 40,000 litres. They come with a heavy duty shell making them suitable for installation in all ground conditions. They are also designed in accordance with BS6297, ensuring you meet all building regulations – so no need to worry about the legal stuff.

Our team of specialists can provide you with expert advice on silage effluent tanks. Call us today on 0121 351 3230.