Method of ensiling fodder and a silo closure for use in this method

摘要

779,724. Preserving green fodder. LARSEN, E. Aug. 3, 1955 [Aug. 10, 1954], No. 22337/55. Class 5(1). Silage is made by introducing fodder into a silo or trench which may or may not be fitted with an upper extension member, covering it with an elastic waterproof material and subsequently pouring a sufficient quantity of water on to the cover to exert the required pressure on the fodder. When the fodder has been compressed sufficiently the water may be syphoned off the cover which then serves to protect the silage from rain. The closure 1 for the silo may be made of strips 2 of an elastomeric plastic material such as polyvinylchloride bonded together and reinforced at the seams by strips 3 of the same material. A rope 5 is slidably housed in a hem 4 around the periphery of the closure so that by tightening the rope the closure may be drawn together so as to hermetically seal the silo. Further, the rope has straps 6 attached to it whereby counterweights 8 may be supported.