Mathematical Prediction of Density and Temperature of Ensiled Forage

Abstract

ABSTRACT GENERAL expressions are derived for the density of ensiled forage crops in upright and bunker silos as dependent on position in the silo, silo configuration, and physical parameters of the forage material. Bounding expressions are obtained for the silo center and perimeter. Forage density is related to the amount of air entrapped in a unit volume, and to the resulting rise in temperature due to aerobic respiration of the plant material. Density, depth, and temperature rise are related graphically using dimensionless variables. Comparison with experimental data shows the density equations to yield accurate predictions. Temperature is also predicted accurately in reasonably well-sealed systems with normal fermentation.