Stack Ensilage.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 111, 30 November 1908, Page 3

Stack Ensilage.

Some interesting information is furnished by Mr McKeown, of the Wagga Experimental farm, Victoria, concerning stack ensilage. He considers that it is important that the base of the stack should be of right dimensions, to ensure the least possible amount of surface exposure, and the exercise of the greatest possible pressure on the lower part of the stack by the upper portion of the material. It is inadvisable to build small stacks, owing to the greater waste, consequent on the large surface exposure in proportion to the quantity of material. A stack of twenty-five tons should be the least size attempted. The base of a twentyfive ton stack should be about 120 feet by 10 feet. About forty five cubic feet of good ensilage will make a ton. Stacks to contain from fifty tons upwards will be found preferable, owing to the lower proportion of waste, and the larger they can be conveniently built the better. A base of 14 square feet will carry fifty to sixty tons, and 18 feet square will carry 120 tons, and so on in proportion if not built too rapidly. It is preferable to allow intervals for settlement, as by thus allowing time, the stack may be more compactly built, and the lift may be considerably reduced. When a large quantity of material is available, the erection of two or more stacks may be proceeded with alternately, and thus no time need be lost. A well drained site should be selected and, if necessary, it should be levelled to ensure a good base. The ground should be covered with timber, or a good bed of straw, to prevent moisture rising from the soil, and all surface water should be cut off.