While silage covers are essential for protecting valuable feed from the forces of nature, they are not immune to the elements. Wind and UV radiation can weaken and damage them and expose your silage to spoilage.
This article explores how wind and UV radiation can affect silage covers and provides practical guidance on how to recognize the signs of damage so you can implement preventative measures to extend their lifespan, minimize losses, and ensure your silage remains in top condition.
Issue 1: Wind Damage
In exposed locations or during severe weather events, wind can be an especially formidable foe for silage covers. Strong gusts can lift, tear, or even rip off covers and expose your silage to the elements.
Recognizing the Signs
Vigilance is needed to recognize signs of wind damage to your silage covers. Keep an eye out for signs of displacement—the most obvious sign being a cover that’s partially or completely blown off the silage pile. When wind damage is suspected, inspect the cover for tears or rips, particularly along the edges or seams, which are more susceptible to wind stress, and check if any weights used to secure the cover have been shifted or blown away.
Look for air pockets or billowing under the cover, which indicate that wind is getting underneath and lifting it. If you find any silage exposed due to cover damage, address the issue promptly to prevent spoilage.
Shielding Your Silage from Wind
While proper weighting techniques are essential for preventing wind damage (refer to Article 3 for detailed guidance), a few additional preventative measures can be even more effective.
Consider using natural windbreaks, such as trees or buildings, to shield your silage storage area from prevailing winds. If natural windbreaks aren’t available, you may be able to create artificial ones using fences, hedges, or windbreak netting.
Locate your silage storage in a sheltered area that is less exposed to strong winds. Choose covers made from durable materials with high tear and tensile strength to withstand wind stress and use secure anchoring methods, such as earth anchors or tie-downs, to further secure the cover and prevent uplift, especially for stack silos or covers exposed to high winds.
Regularly inspect the cover for signs of wear and tear, and make necessary repairs promptly.
Issue 2: UV Degradation: When the Sun Takes a Toll
The sun may be essential for life, but it can also be a troublemaker for silage covers. While silage covers are busy protecting your feed from the elements, the sun’s powerful UV radiation is gradually weakening and damaging the cover. Eventually, the cover will become brittle, crack, and develop leaks.
Recognizing the Signs
Careful attention is essential to recognize the signs of UV degradation on your silage covers. Here’s what to watch out for:
Discoloration
Frequently examine the cover for any fading, chalking, or changes in color, especially in areas that get a lot of sun, since this could be a sign of UV damage. Compare the color to newer sections of the cover or to a sample of the original material to see if there’s a difference.
Stiff and Brittle
Give your cover a gentle flex. Does it feel stiff, brittle, or resistant to bending? These changes could mean the material is starting to break down. Pay extra attention to areas around folds or where weights have been placed, as these spots are more prone to stress and cracking.
Cracking and Chalking
Carefully inspect the cover’s surface for fine cracks or a chalky residue. These are telltale signs of UV damage and indicate that the material is breaking down. Focus your inspection on areas with the most sun exposure.
Weakened Material
Gently tug or pull on the cover material in different areas to assess its strength. If it feels weaker or thinner in areas exposed to sunlight, that’s a sign that UV degradation is taking its toll.
Reduced Water Resistance
If possible, spray a small section of the cover with water to observe its water resistance. Does the water bead up and roll off? If so, you’re in good shape. But if it soaks in, it means the cover’s ability to keep water out has been compromised by UV damage.
Shielding Your Covers from UV Damage
Now that you know what to look for, let’s look at some strategies you can use to protect your silage covers from those damaging UV rays:
When purchasing a new cover, look for ones with UV stabilizers built in. Like microscopic sunscreen, these additives absorb UV radiation and shield the material from damage. Along the same lines, opt for materials with a white side and a black side. With the white side facing up, the cover reflects sunlight, reduces UV damage, and, as a bonus, keeps the silage from overheating!
Accumulated dirt and debris can accelerate UV degradation by absorbing sunlight and heat. Regularly clean your covers to remove any buildup that could contribute to damage. Then, when they’re not in use, give your covers a break from the sun. Store them in a shaded area, under a roof, or cover them with a tarp.
Even with preventative measures, silage covers will eventually succumb to UV degradation. Keep an eye on their condition and be prepared to replace them when they show significant signs of wear or reach the end of their expected lifespan.
