Trench silo, also known as pit silo or bunker silo, is a type of silo for storing animal feed in large quantities in the form of forages such as silage, corn, or straw, which is made by digging large holes or long trenches in the ground. Even though the storage capacity is very large, the manufacture and maintenance of this silo does not require a large amount of money and is suitable for use on land that tends to be narrow and limited.
However, management must be careful and careful so that high-quality forage results. Therefore, it is very important to know what the benefits of trench silos are, how to choose the best product, and how to make the right product.
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Advantages and Benefits of Trench Silos
There are several benefits and advantages to using silo trenches, among others
Construction Costs are Cheaper
Construction and fabrication of trench silos are usually much cheaper than other types of silos built above ground, as they require less materials and labor.
Preserving Low-Quality Forage
Low-quality forages which are difficult or even not stored properly in other types of silos, are ideally stored and preserved in trench silos. For example, straw, haylage, or baleage.
The Storage Capacity is Very Large
For farmers who have a lot of livestock, high yields, or a lot of forage to store, trench silos are very suitable because of their very large storage capacity. Therefore, this technique is very popular in areas where soil is abundant.
Effective Preservation
Trench silos provide airtight storage that aids in the preservation of silage by inhibiting and preventing the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Prevent Decay
Silage stored underground and then covered and covered with plastic will minimize the risk of damage due to decomposition due to exposure to air, sunlight, or humidity.
Easier Access
Trench silos provide easy access to silage as they can be retrieved simply by digging it from the trench. This method is an efficient, cost-effective solution for storing silage that farmers and ranchers can rely on as a source of high-quality animal feed.
How to Choose a Quality Trench Silo Product
Choosing a reliable and quality trench silo product requires considering many factors such as material quality, size, construction, and additional features. Here are the details.
Construction
Ensure that the trench silo is of good manufacture construction, that is, has proper reinforcement and sealing to prevent leaks and other damage, and has walls that are thick enough to withstand the pressure of the silage on the inside.
Quality Of Materials
Make sure the silo trenches are made of high-quality, durable materials, water and sun exposure resistant, as well as resistant to corrosion and environmental factors, such as steel and reinforced concrete.
Size
Choose a trench silo according to the needs of the amount of silage to be stored. The size of the trench silo should also be adjusted to the available space on the farm.
Additional Features
Look for trench silos that have additional features that increase efficiency and functionality, such as ventilation and exhaust systems, to access doors.
Check Reviews and Reputation
Before purchasing a trench silo, check customer reviews and the manufacturer’s reputation carefully. Find out also how recommendations from other farmers or agricultural experts to find the best.
Warranty and Support
Make sure the trench silos are equipped with a warranty and after-sales support from the manufacturer so that problems or defects in the product are avoided.
How to Make a Good and Correct Trench Silos
There are several standard procedures that can be followed to make proper trench silos, which will make work easier and provide high-quality feed for livestock. Even so, it is important to note that making trench silos should be done by experienced professionals so it is highly recommended for laymen to consult with experts first.
Decide on a Location
Select and determine where the location of the silo will be made. Make sure the area has good drainage and the ground is level, that is, free of rocky areas, and steps, not built on a hill or the like, and away from dumps that could damage the forage or equipment used.
Prepare the Location
Existing sites must be cleared of debris or disturbing vegetation, and leveled as much as possible. After that, don’t forget to mark the size of the trench using a rope and stakes.
Adjust the Shape and Size
The trench usually has the shape of rectangular blocks with sizes depending on how much storage space is available and how much silage will be stored. What is clear, this type of silo does not take up space and space with a length of about 50 feet or about 15 meters at the shortest, a width of between 8-10 feet or about 2.4-3 meters, and a height of up to 5 feet or 1.5 meters.
Do Some Digging
Dig the trench using a backhoe or other digging equipment until it is the desired depth and long log shape. Make sure the walls around the excavation are smooth, straight, and not jagged, then make sure the floor is solid and level to make silos placement easier.
Add Layers
Lining the walls and floor of the trench using plastic or other sturdy impermeable materials, such as asphalt, concrete and clay, to prevent moisture from seeping in and damaging the silage and causing it to decompose.
Fill the Trench
Fill the trench with uniformly cut silage and carefully pack it tightly to minimize air pockets. After that, compact the silage well to form a thin layer using heavy equipment such as a roller or the like.
Use a Silage Cover
Cover the silage using a waterproof cover such as plastic sheeting, then overlapping it with tires or other heavy objects so that the cover does not move and stays in place. Covering the silage will prevent air and moisture from escaping and entering the silage, which can cause damage resulting in rot.
Periodically Check the Silage
Monitor the silage regularly and periodically to ensure it is properly fermenting, not spoiling and rotting. This can be done by collecting silage samples, measuring the pH level of the silage, and checking for signs of mold or other problems.