Got a question? We've got answers! Our FAQ page is your go-to resource for quick and helpful information about our products and services. We've compiled a list of the most common questions to save you time and provide the clarity you need. Dive in to find solutions, understand our processes, and get the most out of your experience with us.
What is different about Silostop plastic?
It has a different composition to normal polyethylene (PE) plastic, and has an integral layer which makes it much more resistant to the passage of oxygen.
How do you know oxygen goes through PE?
There is a test for this called an OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate), which is a measure of the cubic centimetres of air passing through 1m² in a 24 hour period, under a certain pressure. Normal PE silage sheeting will score about 300 cm3/m2/24hrs, against Silostop films at under 10 cm3/m2/24hrs, and thin underlay film at over 1000 cm3/m2/24hrs. Thin polyethylene (PE) cling films help with surface waste by eliminating air pockets, but do very little to preserve dry matter / nutrients in the top layer.
What are the benefits?
- Faster ph drop
- Faster fermentation
- Spoilage eliminated
- Better nutrition
- 50% less shrinkage (invisible loss)
- Better aerobic stability
- Better palatability
- Increase Dry Matter intakes
What about the waste layer of black silage on the surface, and on the corners and sides of the clamp?
Both the top layer and the sides will have lower densities, as the tractor cannot compress them as much, and the top layer has no weight of silage above it. Therefore, oxygen levels are highest there, where the air comes through the plastic, and density levels are lowest. This results in high activity of yeasts, moulds and aerobic bacteria. The main health risks are acidosis, ketosis, mycotoxicosis and listeriosis. It is far better to prevent spoiled silage, than to throw it away or give it to young animals. Silage clamp are more efficient than drive over piles, as they have a smaller surface area. Correctly designed drive-over piles can give equivalent compaction levels to clamps, and are a good alternative to bales with less cost and use much less plastic.
How much dearer is it than normal plastic?
About 3 times more per metre square compared to traditional black sheets but if you switch from a 2 sheet system to just our Orange 45 micron it will be about double but then your return on investment will be 6 fold.
What is the return on investment with Silostop?
About 6:1, depending on the value of the silage. Trials show that Silostop films will give 8% more DM in the top layer compared with PE underlay films, and reduce DM losses in the top layer by 50% compared with conventional silage sheets.
Can I take it off and put it back on the clamp?
Testimonials Yes, Silostop Films are very strong, and can be re-used if handled correctly. Silostop Max is very popular for multi-cut situations, where pits are routinely opened and then closed again.
Can I put a PE sheet and net over Orange?
Yes, we have the option of our Anti UV cover which does the job but if you have nets already then, a black sheet for UV protection covered with Nets and Gravel Bags will work well.
Do I need to protect Max with a net?
Yes, even though it has anti UV properties it needs protecting from birds and other pests. One small hole can easily lead to a large area of spoilage in the top of the clamp.
Why Gravel Bags, I have used tyres for years?
Gravels Bags give a very effective seal as they follow the contours better on the clamp. The other issues are the dirty water that can sit in the tyres for months harbouring disease and the potential for the tyre to perish and the wire inside getting into the silage which can cause big health risks for the cattle if eaten. Gravel Bags are much better than tyres for sealing around the edge of a clamp against the walls.
Why is Silostop better than the other barrier films?
Silostop Agri was the original OB film, and is the only one with over 41 published scientific papers to prove its effectiveness. It is being used all over the world and is the market leader. Continuous product development and global testing brings new products to market, and our system uses less plastic than conventional covering methods.
Can it be recycled as its got EVOH in it?
Yes! The threshold for EVOH for recycling purposes is 5%, our films have less which means they can go to the recycling centre with any normal PE silage film.
What about recycling the covers/core?
- All elements of our range can be recycled.
- Film (LDPE), recycling code = 18.4
- Core (PVC), recycling code = 21.3
- Outer packaging (PE+PP), recycling code = 24.7