Part 1, Section 8: Forages
Forages
Cool-season grasses
Special considerations
If properly harvested and stored, grass silage can provide a high-quality forage with fewer risks of weather damage than hay. For high-quality silage, field wilt to a moisture content of 60 to 70 percent before ensiling for conventional upright, bunk, or pit silos, or round bale silage; and 40 to 60 percent moisture for sealed upright silos. Making a good, tight pack ensures an oxygen-free environment and depends much on fineness of chop, moisture content, and rate of fill.
Silage preservatives, additives, and inoculants may improve silage fermentation in some cases but are not a replacement for proper management. Chemical drying agents have not been shown to improve the drying rate of grasses.