While conventional tarps may deteriorate over time, silage plastic is designed to last. It provides an affordable way of protecting silage from contamination while simultaneously controlling weeds. Furthermore, silage plastic reduces soil compaction and enhances crop health for improved growth and improved production efficiency.
Dairies typically use 5-mil plastic tarps with oxygen barrier underlays that are designed for single use to cover bunker silage piles, yet these typically end up in landfills after only one season of use.
Puncture-resistant
Uv-resistant silage plastic (commonly referred to as silage tarps) are large sheets made of UV-resistant polyethylene material used to cover and protect fodder for animals while simultaneously suppressing weed growth, thus eliminating manual weeding or harsh herbicides from being necessary.
Selecting the ideal silage film depends on several considerations, including its opacity, puncture resistance and thickness. Thicker films tend to provide greater puncture protection while having greater tensile strength and elongation capabilities.
Benetite silage film offers excellent opacity and puncture resistance, thanks to being made from the same base material as balewrap. Because you don’t have to separate it after use, this makes Benetite an excellent solution for wrapping round hay bales while helping reduce dry matter losses through decreased oxygen infiltration and spoilage prevention. Ideally paired with low-oxygen feed additives.
Weather-resistant
Silage covers protect hay and grain piles from moisture loss during storage, enabling proper fermentation that preserves nutrients in the feed. They also help prevent weed growth within the pile for easier harvesting and silage making processes.
If you live in an area with high winds, consider investing in bunker covers equipped with frame pockets or embedded rings to prevent their storage process from lifting off during storage.
Bunker covers are often constructed of heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Some versions feature double-sided features with white on one side and black on the other, reflecting sunlight to reduce heat buildup while blocking UV light rays to help prevent spoilage and spoilage. When selecting your cover material be sure it stands up against all environmental conditions: an ideal UV-resistant polyethylene film material won’t fade with repeated usage; additionally, this type of cover resists chemicals, salts, and acids as well.
Suppresses weeds
Uv-resistant silage plastic (otherwise known as oxygen barrier film) has become an indispensable asset in no-till farming systems worldwide. Not only does it protect silage from spoilage by restricting oxygen flow, it also promotes microbial fermentation – giving livestock access to consistent, high-quality food sources.
Silage tarps can be an effective tool in gardening to control weeds before planting. Unlike regular tarps which degrade quickly, silage tarps have been specially engineered for agricultural purposes with heavy-duty polyethylene material that’s UV resistant and long-term durability in mind.
These heavy-duty covers, known as silage tarps, are an underrated asset to small farms and gardens alike. Cost-effective yet efficient solutions such as these reduce preparation time for spring gardens as well as helping weeds die faster while improving soil health. Furthermore, silage tarps can help pre-emptively eliminate weeds in fall/winter to help prepare beds for spring; this practice known as “occultation” is especially helpful for farmers employing no-till/minimal-till farming techniques.
Long-lasting
Silage covers are an effective way of protecting forage and grain from weather damage, protecting it from UV light reflection while keeping it cool underneath. They also promote aerobic fermentation to expedite pH drop quickly while minimising energy losses during reheating and preservation processes.
Good quality silage covers feature high tensile strength and puncture resistance, plus UV stabilisation to avoid premature breakdown or degradation. They’re an excellent fit with Paddock machinery designed specifically to wrap round hay bales.
Uv-resistant silage plastic tarps also help cut the time needed to prepare beds for spring cultivation, by encouraging beneficial insects such as earthworms to loosen hardpan soil layers that would otherwise make cultivation time-consuming and costly. With less preparation required and greater savings both time and money will be on offer!