Knowledge Centre

Silage quality can be negatively affected by harvesting after optimal maturity, baling and wrapping with either more or less than the target moisture content, or from field contamination with soil and other organic matter entering the silage. In order to properly seal and eliminate oxygen permeation for round bale silage and ensure there are no ‘shoulders’ or poorly shaped bales, make sure to use TamaNet+ Edge to Edge netwrap to ensure full-width bale coverage.

Film layers opening can be attributed to various factors, including the low cling properties of the film, insufficient layers applied, crop, netwrap, or twine protruding between layers, and an uneven film overlap on the bale.

To overcome this, ensure proper wrapper calibration to optimize the application of film. You must also apply a sufficient number of turns based on bale size to achieve effective coverage, and avoid using oversized or misshapen bales, as this helps maintain a uniform film application and prevents issues with overlap on the bale.

Film splitting presents challenges during the wrapping process, often caused by using damaged film, applying insufficient layers, or encountering film over-stretch due to poor-quality film or over-tacked pre-stretch rollers.

To address these issues, it is recommended to use high-quality film for wrapping, ensuring a robust and durable material. Applying a sufficient number of film layers enhances the integrity of the wrapping. Maintaining proper turntable speeds is crucial to prevent issues related to film over-stretch. Additionally, avoiding over-tacking pre-stretch rollers is essential to prevent excessive film ‘neck-down,’ leading to reduced film overlap and potential splitting.

Bird damage poses a concern during the silage baling process, manifesting as holes through layers with crop pulled up through the film. To prevent this issue, an effective solution is to use Novatex Silage Nets. These nets, characterized by close-weave raffia-style netting on a roll, provide a protective barrier, preventing birds from causing damage to the wrapped bales. Utilizing these nets ensures the integrity of the silage and helps maintain the quality of the crop during storage.

Ejecting wrapped bales on coarse stubble compromises the integrity of the silage bale and may lead to quality deterioration. To address this concern, it’s recommended to transport the bales from the field to a smooth, flat surface for secure wrapping. This practice ensures a smooth surface, minimizing the risk of punctures and preserving the film’s effectiveness in protecting the silage during storage. By maintaining a consistent wrapping location, the likelihood of encountering rough or abrasive surfaces that can puncture the film is reduced, promoting optimal results and preserving the quality of the wrapped bales.