Silaging is one of the fastest and most affordable methods for storing and protecting corn silage. Using plastic silage bags helps keep the corn safe from damaging environmental factors such as wind, rain, and insects. In fact, due to its numerous advantages, plastic silage is widely recognized as the most efficient and reliable method for storing corn. If you’re a farmer or livestock owner, investing in silage film can significantly reduce your storage and maintenance costs for forage and grains.
What Is a Plastic Silage Bag?
A plastic silage bag is a polyethylene bag with specified dimensions, designed for open-field grain storage. These bags are suitable for storing wheat (up to 200 tons), corn, barley, paddy rice, mustard, soybeans, and other commodities. Essentially, the silage bag is a multi-layered plastic sheet made of three co-extruded layers of polyethylene with a thickness of 220 microns.
The thickness of the bag can also be adjusted based on customer requirements. The first two layers protect the bag against weather conditions and serve as a UV filter, while the third, black layer shields the forage from sunlight. These plastic silage bags are available in widths of 25, 50, and 75 meters, and lengths of up to 1500 meters, with thicknesses ranging from 200 to 270 microns.
Note: Silage is a fermented product made by storing moist corn silage under anaerobic and acidic conditions.
How Does a Plastic Silage Bag Work?
Living organisms like insects and bacteria consume the limited oxygen inside the bag and release carbon dioxide. Within 10 days, the oxygen level inside the bag typically drops from 20% to around 3%, while CO₂ levels rise from 0% to approximately 17%.
This creates an anaerobic environment, which effectively halts the growth and reproduction of fungi and insects. In this environment, forage and grains like corn stay preserved far better than with other methods. When the recommended moisture level is maintained, grains can be stored in silage bags for up to 24 months.
Corn silaging in plastic bags can be done even at high temperatures without adverse effects. These bags can withstand temperatures above 45°C and as low as -20°C. Made from polyethylene, the bags become more flexible in heat and slightly more brittle in cold, making them a cost-effective and efficient option for corn silage.
Benefits of Plastic Silage Bags
Plastic silage bags offer a wide range of benefits that make them an ideal solution for corn storage. They allow for bulk storage of corn and serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional warehouses and trench silos. These bags can be delivered quickly and are typically ready for use within 4 to 5 weeks. Their open-field storage capability adds to their convenience, and they are easy to transport and handle. Throughout the storage period, they ensure no loss in quality or quantity of the corn. With the ability to preserve corn safely for up to 24 months, they provide a long-term storage solution, even under extreme weather conditions ranging from -40°C to +55°C. In addition to reducing storage costs by eliminating the need for wooden boxes or tarps, they offer on-site storage, speeding up operations and lowering expenses. Plastic silage bags are also the most practical choice in the supply chain, requiring no special equipment for setup or maintenance. Moreover, they can be customized in size to meet the specific needs of each user, making them a versatile and efficient option for modern farming and livestock operations.
Plastic Silage Bag Prices
The price of silage plastic varies due to several factors. Currency fluctuations, for example, can significantly affect the current market price. In general, the price is determined by:
-
Dimensions of the silage bag
-
Country of origin
-
Manufacturing quality
-
Required meterage
-
Supply and demand
-
Daily price of petrochemical raw materials
-
Dollar exchange rate
Why Choose Plastic Silage Bags for Corn Storage?
Recent advancements in grain bagging technology have made plastic silage bags a preferred option over traditional fixed silos. These bags allow corn producers to store, process, or transport their grains while maintaining quality. Thanks to their strength and optimal thickness, the silage plastics can handle the heavy weight of corn without damage. By investing in plastic silage bags, you can boost productivity and significantly cut down on operational costs. for more information, visit the Keyhan Plastic homepage.