How
To Handle Seepage From Farm Silos
 |
| Agdex#: |
732 |
| Publication Date: |
November
2004 |
| Order#: |
04-031 |
| Last Reviewed: |
November
2004 |
| History: |
Replaces OMAFRA Factsheet, How
to Handle Seepage from Farm Silos, Order Number 95-043 |
| Written by: |
Steve Clarke - Energy and
Crop Engineering Specialist/OMAF; Robert P. Stone - Engineer/OMAF,
Brighton. |
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Silo Seepage Is An Environmental Problem
- Rate and Volume of Seepage Flow
- Managing Silo Seepage and Precipitation Runoff
- Disposal of Seepage
- Site Location for Seepage Collection Tanks
- Sizing of Small Seepage Tanks
- Related Links
Introduction
Silage seepage presents two concerns for the agricultural industry
- pollution of land and water may result from silage seepage, and the
silage juices cause corrosion and deterioration of the silo. When silage
is harvested and stored at low moisture contents less than 70% for horizontal
silos and 60% for tower silos, there is minimal corrosion and pollution
threat. Above this moisture level significant flow of silage juices
(or seepage) from silos may occur (Table 1 and Figure 1).
Wet weather can force farmers into harvesting wet silage with resulting
silage seepage, even when the greatest of care is taken.
Most of the environmental problems associated with silage/haylage seepage
on farms result from improper or inadequate collection and retention
of the seepage draining from the silos. An adequate collection and storage/treatment
system is essential.
See Table 2 for information on the acids in silage seepage that cause
silo corrosion. Detailed information on silo corrosion is available
in OMAFRA Factsheets Order No. 90-236, Concrete Tower Silo Maintenance
and Repair, and Order No. 90-235, Deterioration of Concrete Tower Silos.
Why Silo Seepage Is An Environmental Problem
During 1983 farmers in Ontario made 4.1 million tons of corn fodder,
producing in the process approximately 20 million litres of silage seepage
effluent. This effluent can be the most polluting organic surface discharge
that occurs from farming. The potential oxygen-consuming capacity of
effluent is measured by the biochemical oxygen demand test (BOD). Silage
effluent in an undiluted form has extremely high BOD values, ranging
from 12,000-90,000 mg/L (Table 3), which is approximately 60-450 times
stronger than domestic sanitary sewage. A significant discharge of effluent
into a watercourse can remove so much oxygen that fish and other aquatic
creatures die immediately. For example, as little as one gallon of silage
effluent can lower the oxygen content of 10,000 gallons of river water
to a critical level with respect to fish survival.
| Top of Page |
Table 1.Tower Silo - Maximum Moisture Content to Minimize Seepage,
Whole-Plant Silages
Silo Size
(ft.) |
Max. Moisture Content
(%) |
| 12 x 40 |
72
|
| 14 x 50 |
70 |
| 16 x 60 |
68 |
| 18 x 65 |
67 |
| 20 x 70 |
66 |
| 24 x 85 |
63 |
|
30 x 110
|
60 |
Figure 1. Horizontal silo - seepage production
based on silage moisture content.

There have been a number of fish kills from silage seepage in Pennsylvania,
New York and Ontario. There are cases of silage seepage contaminating
wells and ditches each year in Ontario and the United States.
Table 2.Aggressive Constituents of Silage Seepage
| Lactic Acid |
4%-6% |
| Acetic Acid |
1%-2% |
| Butyric Acid |
normally less than 1% |
| Acidity |
4 |
| pH |
3.5-5.5 |
With respect to ground water quality, silage leachate contains nutrients,
acids, minerals and bacteria. Nitrate-nitrogen is the most significant
ground water contaminant from this group. The main constituents of silage
seepage are listed in Table 3.
| Top of Page |
Rate And Volume Of Seepage Flow
The addition of acid additives to silage combined with short chop
silage lengths results in a higher initial rate of seepage flow. The
greatest percentage of silage seepage is produced within 5 to 10 days
of storage loading. The remaining seepage is produced within the next
30 days. The volumes produced are dependent on the vertical pressure
in the silo and the initial moisture content of the crop (Figure 1).
Seepage flow out of the silo will be greatest during the first month
of storage and then taper off in silos with good internal drainage,
i.e. network of floor drains to carry out leachate. Where internal drainage
of the silo is poor, flow will occur throughout the total storage period
as the silo is being emptied. Rainwater on uncovered silage can produce
additional effluent.
For horizontal silos, the rain runoff or snow melt from the floor area
inside the storage adds more effluent to the system. The highly polluted
base flow will be augmented on occasion by the diluted flow from rainstorms
and snowmelt. The first flush of rainwater runoff from the storage will
contain higher levels of pollutants. It is important that all the base
flow from the silo along with the first flush of precipitation runoff
be collected and stored since this material is highly contaminated.
Storage and Treatment of Silage Seepage
The seepage and runoff may be stored in a small storage at the silo
location and transferred to an outdoor liquid manure or runoff storage
on the farm. Contain silage leachate only in an outdoor storage, because
dangerous gases may be produced when the effluent and manure are mixed.
Where outdoor liquid manure or runoff storages are not currently available
on the farm, provide a separate storage to contain 240 days of seepage
plus runoff material. During the cropping season this contaminated material
can be spread regularly on land similar to manure application. If seepage
is being applied to the land, the amount of material being applied needs
to be accounted for in the Nutrient Management Plan.
Another means of handling and treating the effluent involves collecting
and storing the low flow rates of concentrated leachate from the silo
in a storage tank. The dilute high flow rates of material will overtop
the collection area and flow to an approved vegetated filter strip (Figure
2).
Have a qualified person design a vegetated filter strip. The design
must receive approval under the Ontario Water Resources Act through
the Ministry of the Environment.
Table 3. Constituents of Silage Seepage
| Constituents
|
Silage Seepage
(typical) |
Dairy Manure Liquid
(typical) |
| Dry Matter
|
5% (2%-10%) |
5% |
| Total Nitrogen
|
1,500-4,400 mg/L |
2,600 mg/L |
| Phosphorus
|
300-600 mg/L |
1,100 mg/L |
| Potassium |
3,400-5,200 mg/L |
2500 mg/L |
| pH |
4.0 (3.6-5.5) |
7.4 |
| Biochemical
Oxygen Demand |
12,000-90,000 mg/L |
5,000-10,000 mg/L |
Source: Cornell University 1994 and OMAF
| Top of Page |
Figure 2. Horizontal silo front flow seepage system -
diluted liquid to vegetated filter strip.

Reduction of Seepage
- Harvest silage/haylage at low moisture:
- < 65% moisture content for tower silos less than 40 ft. deep
- < 60 % moisture content for tower silos over 40 ft. deep
- < 70% for horizontal silos
- Planting shorter season varieties of corn will result in a drier
crop; therefore, lower seepage production.
Bunker Silo Sealing Systems
- Reduce silage infiltration by air and water.
- Traditionally, a sealing system consists of a layer of white or
black plastic used as a cover and seal. Old tires are placed edge
to edge over the surface of this plastic to help in sealing.
New Silo Sealing System, "no tires used"
- Traditional plastic sheeting is covered with an additional cover.
Instead of tires, sausage-bags, which are filled with sand or gravel,
anchor the cover in place (Figure 3). The advantages of this system
are the added protection, improved sealing, flexibility, and ease
of installation and storage of the sandbags.
- A polyethylene sleeve holds together several of the sausage-bags
across the width of a silo. This product reduces the chance of air
infiltration between the sausage bags. Figure 4 shows sausage bag
placement.
- The sausage bags can be used directly on the silo plastic. This
reduces the cost, and replaces the use of tires. This is a good
solution if birds or animals tear the plastic seal.
Figure 3. Tarpaulin and sausage bag system
for silage protection.

| Top of Page |
Figure 4. Sausage bag placement.

Adding absorbents designed to take up excess moisture will result in
very low or no seepage production. Useable materials include oatmeal,
dried sugar beet pulp, dried corncobs, ground corn and hay cubes. To
be effective, enough material must be added to absorb the anticipated
seepage.
On many occasions it may not be possible to wilt the forage adequately
or harvest at the desired dry matter content. If the forage is too wet,
then seepage is likely. Absorbent materials can be added to "absorb"
this seepage. Table 4 lists the water holding capacity of various materials.
Table 4. Water holding Capacity of Various Materials
| Material1
|
Pounds of Water
per
100 lbs of Material |
| Ground corn grain |
58*
|
| Ground oats |
69*
|
| Ground wheat |
61*
|
| Corn cob: Coarse grind (1/2 inch) |
143*
|
| Corn cob: Medium to find grind |
192*
|
| Corn cob: Fine grind (1/16 inch) |
192*
|
| Sugar beet pulp |
248**
|
|
Alfalfa hay
|
194**
|
|
Mixed grass hay
|
195**
|
|
Oat straw
|
218**
|
1. Materials are on an air-dry basis
* 10% moisture content
** 12% moisture content
Source: University of Minnesota (1980)
| Top of Page |
Managing Silo Seepage and Precipitation Runoff
- Cover the silos - this prevents precipitation from entering and
leaching through the silage/haylage.
- Divert all surface water away from the silo site.
- For new silos install a seepage collection and storage system as
shown in Figures 2, 5 or 6.
- Inspect the interior silo surface each time the silo is empty for
signs of corrosion. Whenever corrosion is severe, recoat the inside
of the silos.
- For existing horizontal silos, place a 4 in. tile drain on the floor
where the wall meets the silo floor (Option A, Figure 7), or for new
silos form holes in the wall to drain silo seepage to an outside drain
(Option B, Figure 7. Caution: Provide protection
of steel from silage acids with adequate concrete cover (i.e. min.
3 in.)
- For existing or new horizontal silos with good floor drainage to
the front of the silo, a catch basin that collects seepage and drains
to a long-term storage tank will be suitable (Figure 8 and Figure
9). Flow will occur throughout the total storage period as the silo
is emptied. Diluted flow can by-pass the storage tank and overflow
to the approved vegetated filter strip (Figure 2).
Figure 5. Tower silo seepage storage system.
Figure 6. Horizontal silo seepage floor drain collection
system.

Notes for Figure 6:
- Cross drains 3 in. x 3 in. on 20 ft. spacing. Filled with 7/8 in.
clear stone. (Drain to pick up seepage and first flush of rain runoff.)
- Header drain 4 in. x 4 in. to drain cross drains to storage tank.
- Rain runoff from top of storage may be considered as clean water
and will not reach the collection system.
- Rain runoff from inside of storage should be collected, stored
and spread on cropland.
- Diluted rain runoff may be treated by an approved vegetated
filter strip.
| Top of Page |
Figure 7. Outside drain collection system for
existing horizontal silo.

Notes for Figure 7:
(A) 4" diameter tile drains placed on silo floor.
(B) Holes in silo walls to an exterior covered drain. Rain runoff
from inside storage should be collected, stored and spread on cropland.
Diluted rain runoff may be treated by an approved vegetated filter
strip.
Figure 8. Low flow collection system. (Source AEM)

| Top of Page |
Figure 9. Low flow collection system.
Caution: Never mix silage effluent in enclosed tanks,
especially tanks within barns because silage effluent mixed with manure
slurry will accelerate the release of hydrogen sulphide gas. Add seepage
only to uncovered outdoor storages.
Disposal Of Seepage
Dilute the concentrated seepage with the same amount of water (1:1)
and spread this material on land using liquid manure spreading guidelines.
Seepage is a nutrient; therefore, the amount of seepage being applied
needs to be accounted for in the Nutrient Management Plan. Seepage also
may be used as a supplementary feed. Fresh effluent may be fed to pigs
and cattle or one may feed "stored effluent" if collected in closed
drains and stored in airtight containers. High potassium and nitrate
levels can cause problems, therefore, feed with expert advice only.
Some research in Europe indicates that feeding of silage seepage to
dairy cows increased milk yields, protein levels and fat levels. Treat
dilute material with an approved vegetated filter strip.
Site Location For Seepage Collection Tanks
The Environmental Farm Plan recommends, as a good management practice,
locating seepage collection tanks at a separation distance of 200 ft
or greater from surface water, i.e. streams, ditches, ponds or tile
inlets, and separation distances between seepage tanks and wells at
76 ft or greater for a drilled well and 151 ft or greater for a bored/dug
well. Minimum separation distances of 50 ft to a drilled well and 100
ft to a dug/bored well are stipulated under legislation. Locate storage
sites for bagged, wrapped or tubed haylage (baylage) at least 30 ft.
from surface water sources and field drainage tiles to reduce the risk
of contamination.
Sizing Of Small Seepage Tanks
A. For Horizontal Silos
- If crop is stored > 70% moisture, size seepage storage for 100
ft3/100 tons of crop stored.
- If crop is stored at/or below 70% moisture, use 50 ft3/100
tons of crop stored.
- The above design criteria will give, in most cases, a minimum of
2 days of storage for the seepage material. With very low moisture
crops (< 70% moisture), up to one year of storage can be provided
with this design, when no rainwater is collected.
- Rainfall Storage: Size for minimum of 1 in. or 0.083 ft. rain
over entire silage storage area flowing to leachate storage in any
one day. This material can be transferred to an outside liquid manure
or runoff storage. If there is no liquid storage on farm, consider
building the leachate storage to contain runoff and seepage for a
minimum storage period of 240 days. Another option is to treat this
dilute liquid on an approved vegetated filter strip.
| Top of Page |
Example 1:
Size a storage to contain seepage and runoff from a 40x100x12 ft. horizontal
silo. Apron area is 40x20 ft. Crop moisture content is 75%. See Table
5.
Storage Capacity (T)
T70 = 1,080 tons (from Table 5)
(storage capacity
at 70% moisture)
T75 = 0.3 (T70)/(1-M) (storage capacity at 75% moisture)
= 0.3 (1080)/(1.75)
= 1,296 tons
Seepage Storage Volume
Seepage = 100 ft3/100 tons x1,296 tons
= 1,296
ft.3ainfall Storage Volume
Rainfall Storage Volume
= (.083 ft.) x (area of silo + apron area)
= (.083 ft.) x 40 x 100 + 40 x 20) sq. ft.
= (.083 ft.) x (4,800 sq. ft.)
= 398 ft.3
Required Storage Size
= 1,296 + 398 ft.3
= 1,694 ft.3
Seepage and Precipitation Storage Size* (1,694 ft.3)
Use Table 7 to find the dimensions of the required storage capacity
= width x length x height
1,764 = 14 x 14 x 9 ft.
2,156 ft.3 = 14 x 14 x 11 ft. (allows 2 ft. of depth
for freeboard)
* Transfer leachate material from this storage to permanent outside
liquid manure or
runoff storage. During cropping season this material can
be land spread on a regular
basis.
B. For Tower Silos
- If crop is stored > 70% moisture, size seepage storage for 100
ft3/100 tons of crop stored.
- If crop is stored at/or below 70% moisture, use 50 ft3/100
tons of crop stored.
The above design criteria will give, in most cases, a minimum of 2 days
of storage for the seepage material. Up to one year of storage can be
provided with very low moisture crops, i.e. < 60% moisture.
- Tower silo is covered with roof to keep out rain.
| Top of Page |
Example 2:
Size seepage tank based on the following criteria:
1. 20 x 70 ft. tower concrete silo
2. Alfalfa silage at 70% moisture
3. For capacity see Table 6 in OMAFRA Factsheet, Tower Silo Capacities,
Order No. 88-033.
Storage capacity = 703 tons
Storage capacity = 703 tons
Required seepage storage size
= 50 ft3/100 tons x 703 tons
= 0.5 x 703 = 352 ft3
Storage size (352 ft.3) = width x length x height
Use Table 7 to find the dimensions of the required storage capacity.
384 = 8 x 8 x 6 ft. > 352 okay
512 = 8 x 8 x 8 ft. (allows 2 ft. of depth for freeboard)
Table 5a.b.c. Capacities for Common Horizontal Silo
Sizes
(Capacity is in tons for a grass or corn silage density of 45 pounds
per cubic ft. at 70% moisture)
The following tables list the approximate wet tons capacity for a number
of common silo sizes. The tables take into account a 1:2 sloping
front face. Widths given are inside to inside and do not include space
taken up by posts and planking. When using these tables, calculate the
daily feed removal to ensure enough feed is removed to prevent spoilage.
For capacity in Tonnes, multiply figures shown by 0.91.
Table 5a. Capacities for Common Horizontal Silo Sizes (Silo
Length 100-160 ft)
(Capacity is in tons for a grass or corn silage density of 45 pounds
per cubic ft. at 70% moisture)
| Average Silage Density (lbs/cu
ft) |
Silo Height (ft) |
Silo Width (ft) |
Removal Rate (tons/day) |
Silo Capacity (tons)
Silo Length (ft) |
| 4"/day |
6"/day |
12"/day |
100 |
110 |
120 |
130 |
140 |
150 |
160 |
| 45 |
8 |
20 |
1.2 |
1.8 |
3.6 |
360 |
396 |
432 |
468 |
504 |
540 |
576 |
| 45 |
8 |
24 |
1.4 |
2.2 |
4.3 |
432 |
475 |
518 |
562 |
605 |
648 |
691 |
| 45 |
8 |
30 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
540 |
594 |
648 |
702 |
756 |
810 |
864 |
| 45 |
8 |
40 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
720 |
792 |
864 |
936 |
1008 |
1080 |
1152 |
| 45 |
8 |
50 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
900 |
990 |
1080 |
1170 |
1260 |
1350 |
1440 |
| 45 |
8 |
60 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1080 |
1188 |
1296 |
1404 |
1512 |
1620 |
1728 |
| 45 |
10 |
20 |
1.5 |
2.3 |
4.5 |
450 |
495 |
540 |
585 |
630 |
675 |
720 |
| 45 |
10 |
24 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
540 |
594 |
648 |
702 |
756 |
810 |
864 |
| 45 |
10 |
30 |
2.3 |
3.4 |
6.8 |
675 |
743 |
810 |
878 |
945 |
1013 |
1080 |
| 45 |
10 |
40 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
900 |
990 |
1080 |
1170 |
1260 |
1350 |
1440 |
| 45 |
10 |
50 |
3.8 |
5.6 |
11.3 |
1125 |
1238 |
1350 |
1463 |
1575 |
1688 |
1800 |
| 45 |
10 |
60 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
1350 |
1485 |
1620 |
1755 |
1890 |
2025 |
2160 |
| 45 |
12 |
20 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
540 |
594 |
648 |
702 |
756 |
810 |
864 |
| 45 |
12 |
24 |
2.2 |
3.2 |
6.5 |
648 |
713 |
778 |
842 |
907 |
972 |
1037 |
| 45 |
12 |
30 |
2.7 |
4.1 |
8.1 |
810 |
891 |
972 |
1053 |
1134 |
1215 |
1296 |
| 45 |
12 |
40 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1080 |
1188 |
1296 |
1404 |
1512 |
1620 |
1728 |
| 45 |
12 |
50 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
1350 |
1485 |
1620 |
1755 |
1890 |
2025 |
2160 |
| 45 |
12 |
60 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
1620 |
1782 |
1944 |
2106 |
2268 |
2430 |
2592 |
| 45 |
14 |
20 |
2.1 |
3.2 |
6.3 |
630 |
693 |
756 |
819 |
882 |
945 |
1008 |
| 45 |
14 |
24 |
2.5 |
3.8 |
7.6 |
756 |
832 |
907 |
983 |
1058 |
1134 |
1210 |
| 45 |
14 |
30 |
3.2 |
4.7 |
9.5 |
945 |
1040 |
1134 |
1229 |
1323 |
1418 |
1512 |
| 45 |
14 |
40 |
4.2 |
6.3 |
12.6 |
1260 |
1386 |
1512 |
1638 |
1764 |
1890 |
2016 |
| 45 |
14 |
50 |
5.3 |
7.9 |
15.8 |
1575 |
1733 |
1890 |
2048 |
2205 |
2363 |
2520 |
| 45 |
14 |
60 |
6.3 |
9.5 |
18.9 |
1890 |
2079 |
2268 |
2457 |
2646 |
2835 |
3024 |
| 45 |
16 |
20 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
720 |
792 |
864 |
936 |
1008 |
1080 |
1152 |
| 45 |
16 |
24 |
2.9 |
4.3 |
8.6 |
864 |
950 |
1037 |
1123 |
1210 |
1296 |
1382 |
| 45 |
16 |
30 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1080 |
1188 |
1296 |
1404 |
1512 |
1620 |
1728 |
| 45 |
16 |
40 |
4.8 |
7.2 |
14.4 |
1440 |
1584 |
1728 |
1872 |
2016 |
2160 |
2304 |
| 45 |
16 |
50 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
18.0 |
1800 |
1980 |
2160 |
2340 |
2520 |
2700 |
2880 |
| 45 |
16 |
60 |
7.2 |
10.8 |
21.6 |
2160 |
2376 |
2592 |
2808 |
3024 |
3240 |
3456 |
| 45 |
18 |
20 |
2.7 |
4.1 |
8.1 |
810 |
891 |
972 |
1053 |
1134 |
1215 |
1296 |
| 45 |
18 |
24 |
3.2 |
4.9 |
9.7 |
972 |
1069 |
1166 |
1264 |
1361 |
1458 |
1555 |
| 45 |
18 |
30 |
4.1 |
6.1 |
12.2 |
1215 |
1337 |
1458 |
1580 |
1701 |
1823 |
1944 |
| 45 |
18 |
40 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
1620 |
1782 |
1944 |
2106 |
2268 |
2430 |
2592 |
| 45 |
18 |
50 |
6.8 |
10.1 |
20.3 |
2025 |
2228 |
2430 |
2633 |
2835 |
3038 |
3240 |
| 45 |
18 |
60 |
8.1 |
12.2 |
24.3 |
2430 |
2673 |
2916 |
3159 |
3402 |
3645 |
3888 |
| Top of Page |
Table 5b. Capacities for Common Horizontal Silo Sizes (Silo
Length 170-230 ft)
(Capacity is in tons for a grass or corn silage density of 45 pounds
per cubic ft. at 70% moisture)
| Average Silage
Density (lbs/cu ft) |
Silo Height (ft) |
Silo Width (ft) |
Removal Rate
(tons/day) |
Silo Capacity (tons)
Silo Length (ft)
|
| 4"/day |
6"/day |
12"/day |
170 |
180 |
190 |
200 |
210 |
220 |
230 |
| 45 |
8 |
20 |
1.2 |
1.8 |
3.6 |
612 |
648 |
684 |
720 |
756 |
792 |
828 |
| 45 |
8 |
24 |
1.4 |
2.2 |
4.3 |
734 |
778 |
821 |
864 |
907 |
950 |
994 |
| 45 |
8 |
30 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
918 |
972 |
1026 |
1080 |
1134 |
1188 |
1242 |
| 45 |
8 |
40 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
1224 |
1296 |
1368 |
1440 |
1512 |
1584 |
1656 |
| 45 |
8 |
50 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
1530 |
1620 |
1710 |
1800 |
1890 |
1980 |
2070 |
| 45 |
8 |
60 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1836 |
1944 |
2052 |
2160 |
2268 |
2376 |
2484 |
| 45 |
10 |
20 |
1.5 |
2.3 |
4.5 |
765 |
810 |
855 |
900 |
945 |
990 |
1035 |
| 45 |
10 |
24 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
918 |
972 |
1026 |
1080 |
1134 |
1188 |
1242 |
| 45 |
10 |
30 |
2.3 |
3.4 |
6.8 |
1148 |
1215 |
1283 |
1350 |
1418 |
1485 |
1553 |
| 45 |
10 |
40 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
1530 |
1620 |
1710 |
1800 |
1890 |
1980 |
2070 |
| 45 |
10 |
50 |
3.8 |
5.6 |
11.3 |
1913 |
2025 |
2138 |
2250 |
2363 |
2475 |
2588 |
| 45 |
10 |
60 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
2295 |
2430 |
2565 |
2700 |
2835 |
2970 |
3105 |
| 45 |
12 |
20 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
918 |
972 |
1026 |
1080 |
1134 |
1188 |
1242 |
| 45 |
12 |
24 |
2.2 |
3.2 |
6.5 |
1102 |
1166 |
1231 |
1296 |
1361 |
1426 |
1490 |
| 45 |
12 |
30 |
2.7 |
4.1 |
8.1 |
1377 |
1458 |
1539 |
1620 |
1701 |
1782 |
1863 |
| 45 |
12 |
40 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1836 |
1944 |
2052 |
2160 |
2268 |
2376 |
2484 |
| 45 |
12 |
50 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
2295 |
2430 |
2565 |
2700 |
2835 |
2970 |
3105 |
| 45 |
12 |
60 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
2754 |
2916 |
3078 |
3240 |
3402 |
3564 |
3726 |
| 45 |
14 |
20 |
2.1 |
3.2 |
6.3 |
1071 |
1134 |
1197 |
1260 |
1323 |
1386 |
1449 |
| 45 |
14 |
24 |
2.5 |
3.8 |
7.6 |
1285 |
1361 |
1436 |
1512 |
1588 |
1663 |
1739 |
| 45 |
14 |
30 |
3.2 |
4.7 |
9.5 |
1607 |
1701 |
1796 |
1890 |
1985 |
2079 |
2174 |
| 45 |
14 |
40 |
4.2 |
6.3 |
12.6 |
2142 |
2268 |
2394 |
2520 |
2646 |
2772 |
2898 |
| 45 |
14 |
50 |
5.3 |
7.9 |
15.8 |
2678 |
2835 |
2993 |
3150 |
3308 |
3465 |
3623 |
| 45 |
14 |
60 |
6.3 |
9.5 |
18.9 |
3213 |
3402 |
3591 |
3780 |
3969 |
4158 |
4347 |
| 45 |
16 |
20 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
1224 |
1296 |
1368 |
1440 |
1512 |
1584 |
1656 |
| 45 |
16 |
24 |
2.9 |
4.3 |
8.6 |
1469 |
1555 |
1642 |
1728 |
1814 |
1901 |
1987 |
| 45 |
16 |
30 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
1836 |
1944 |
2052 |
2160 |
2268 |
2376 |
2484 |
| 45 |
16 |
40 |
4.8 |
7.2 |
14.4 |
2448 |
2592 |
2736 |
2880 |
3024 |
3168 |
3312 |
| 45 |
16 |
50 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
18.0 |
3060 |
3240 |
3420 |
3600 |
3780 |
3960 |
4140 |
| 45 |
16 |
60 |
7.2 |
10.8 |
21.6 |
3672 |
3888 |
4104 |
4320 |
4536 |
4752 |
4968 |
| 45 |
18 |
20 |
2.7 |
4.1 |
8.1 |
1377 |
1458 |
1539 |
1620 |
1701 |
1782 |
1863 |
| 45 |
18 |
24 |
3.2 |
4.9 |
9.7 |
1652 |
1750 |
1847 |
1944 |
2041 |
2138 |
2236 |
| 45 |
18 |
30 |
4.1 |
6.1 |
12.2 |
2066 |
2187 |
2309 |
2430 |
2552 |
2673 |
2795 |
| 45 |
18 |
40 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
2754 |
2916 |
3078 |
3240 |
3402 |
3564 |
3726 |
| 45 |
18 |
50 |
6.8 |
10.1 |
20.3 |
3443 |
3645 |
3848 |
4050 |
4253 |
4455 |
4658 |
| 45 |
18 |
60 |
8.1 |
12.2 |
24.3 |
4131 |
4374 |
4617 |
4860 |
5103 |
5346 |
5589 |
| Top of Page |
Table 5c. Capacities for Common Horizontal Silo Sizes (Silo
Length 240-300 ft)
(Capacity is in tons for a grass or corn silage density of 45 pounds
per cubic ft. at 70% moisture)
| Average Silage Density (lbs/cu ft) |
Silo Height (ft) |
Silo Width (ft) |
Removal Rate (tons/day) |
Silo Capacity (tons)
Silo Length (ft) |
| 4"/day |
6"/day |
12"/day |
240 |
250 |
260 |
270 |
280 |
290 |
300 |
| 45 |
8 |
20 |
1.2 |
1.8 |
3.6 |
864 |
900 |
936 |
972 |
1008 |
1044 |
1080 |
| 45 |
8 |
24 |
1.4 |
2.2 |
4.3 |
1037 |
1080 |
1123 |
1166 |
1210 |
1253 |
1296 |
| 45 |
8 |
30 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
1296 |
1350 |
1404 |
1458 |
1512 |
1566 |
1620 |
| 45 |
8 |
40 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
1728 |
1800 |
1872 |
1944 |
2016 |
2088 |
2160 |
| 45 |
8 |
50 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
2160 |
2250 |
2340 |
2430 |
2520 |
2610 |
2700 |
| 45 |
8 |
60 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
2592 |
2700 |
2808 |
2916 |
3024 |
3132 |
3240 |
| 45 |
10 |
20 |
1.5 |
2.3 |
4.5 |
1080 |
1125 |
1170 |
1215 |
1260 |
1305 |
1350 |
| 45 |
10 |
24 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
1296 |
1350 |
1404 |
1458 |
1512 |
1566 |
1620 |
| 45 |
10 |
30 |
2.3 |
3.4 |
6.8 |
1620 |
1688 |
1755 |
1823 |
1890 |
1958 |
2025 |
| 45 |
10 |
40 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
9.0 |
2160 |
2250 |
2340 |
2430 |
2520 |
2610 |
2700 |
| 45 |
10 |
50 |
3.8 |
5.6 |
11.3 |
2700 |
2813 |
2925 |
3038 |
3150 |
3263 |
3375 |
| 45 |
10 |
60 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
3240 |
3375 |
3510 |
3645 |
3780 |
3915 |
4050 |
| 45 |
12 |
20 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
1296 |
1350 |
1404 |
1458 |
1512 |
1566 |
1620 |
| 45 |
12 |
24 |
2.2 |
3.2 |
6.5 |
1555 |
1620 |
1685 |
1750 |
1814 |
1879 |
1944 |
| 45 |
12 |
30 |
2.7 |
4.1 |
8.1 |
1944 |
2025 |
2106 |
2187 |
2268 |
2349 |
2430 |
| 45 |
12 |
40 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
10.8 |
2592 |
2700 |
2808 |
2916 |
3024 |
3132 |
3240 |
| 45 |
12 |
50 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
3240 |
3375 |
3510 |
3645 |
3780 |
3915 |
4050 |
| 45 |
12 |
60 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
3888 |
4050 |
4212 |
4374 |
4536 |
4698 |
4860 |
| 45 |
14 |
20 |
2.1 |
3.2 |
6.3 |
1512 |
1575 |
1638 |
1701 |
1764 |
1827 |
1890 |
| 45 |
14 |
24 |
2.5 |
3.8 |
7.6 |
1814 |
1890 |
1966 |
2041 |
2117 |
2192 |
2268 |
| 45 |
14 |
30 |
3.2 |
4.7 |
9.5 |
2268 |
2363 |
2457 |
2552 |
2646 |
2741 |
2835 |
| 45 |
14 |
40 |
| |