A silo is a structure for storing bulk materials. Silos are used in agriculture to store fermented feed known as silage, not to be confused with a grain bin, which is used to store grains. Silos are commonly used for bulk storage of grain, coal, cement, carbon black, woodchips, food products and sawdust. Three types of silos are in widespread use today: tower silos, bunker silos, and bag silos.
Grain bins in Cashton, Wisconsin
Grain elevators are composed of groups of grain silos, such as these at Port Giles, South Australia.
Silos in Acatlán, Hidalgo, Mexico
Concrete stave silo under construction in 2015
Silage is a type of fodder made from green foliage crops which have been preserved by fermentation to the point of acidification. It can be fed to cattle, sheep, and other such ruminants. The fermentation and storage process is called ensilage, ensiling, or silaging. Silage is usually made from grass crops, including maize, sorghum, or other cereals, using the entire green plant.
Silage underneath plastic sheeting is held down by scrap tires. Concrete beneath the silage prevents fermented juice from leaching out.
Cattle eating silage
MB Trac rolling a silage heap or "clamp" in Victoria, Australia
Partially dried mown grass is formed into cylindrical bales in the field (above) and sealed in polywrap (below).
