This video explains how to manage an airtight silo, also called a controlled atmosphere silo or Harvestore.
Airtight silos have several advantages over traditional concrete silos:
They allow a greater quantity of dry matter to be retained, which reduces food losses.
They make it possible to store wet grains, such as corn or barley.
They allow the silo to be unloaded from the bottom, which allows fermented silage to be obtained at any time.
However, it is important to manage an airtight silo well to get the most out of it. Here are a few key things to remember:
Silage quality
Silage quality is essential, regardless of the type of silo. It is important to respect the recommended humidity levels for each type of crop.
For airtight silos, it is important to fill the silo to at least 80% of its capacity.
If the silo is not 80% full, it is important to inject CO2 to eliminate oxygen and prevent the deterioration of the silage.
CO2 injection
CO2 is essential for fermenting silage and for preventing mold growth.
The CO2 can be injected into the silo using a gas bottle or a CO2 generator.
The quantity of CO2 to be injected depends on the size of the silo and the type of silage.
Safety
Airtight silos present a danger of asphyxiation. Never enter an airtight silo without taking the necessary precautions.
In the event of a fire in an airtight silo, water should never be used to extinguish the fire. All you have to do is close all doors and let the fire go out by itself.