DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-093-1-0150
FOAM FOR COVERING SILAGE: OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS
- Knicky, M.1, Melin, P.1
- 1 RISE-Research Institutes of Sweden, Detp. of Agriculture and Environmental Engineering, Ultunaallén 4, Uppsala, Sweden
Conventional covering of bunker silos relies on plastic films to maintain anaerobic conditions during ensiling. This method is labour‑intensive and generates substantial plastic waste. A foam‑based sealing method developed at TFZ research centrum in Germany has been proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative. The foam is biodegradable, feed‑safe, and potentially applicable both immediately after silo filling and during feed‑out. This study evaluated the foam’s functional performance under laboratory condition, focusing on sealing ability, required thickness, fermentation outcomes and aerobic stability. Laboratory glass silos and simulated feed‑out tubes were used. Results show that foam thickness strongly affects mould exclusion, which reduced fermentation efficiency and resulted in higher losses compared with air‑tight controls. During feed‑out simulation trail, foam reduced aerobic spoilage and weight losses. Study suffered from practical limitations in form of missing application device. Proper application appears critical, especially regarding uniform thickness. Further technological development is required before practical implementation.
Keywords: silage sealing, foam covering, aerobic deterioration, fermentation quality
pages: 150-151, Published: 2026, online: 2026
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