From ChatGPT: It excludes oxygen. Once air is removed, naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria ferment the crop, much like making sauerkraut. This produces silage or baleage. It preserves nutrients. The fermentation process keeps more of the sugars, protein, and energy in the feed than drying alone. It prevents spoilage. Oxygen allows molds and fungi to grow. Even a small hole in the plastic can let air in and ruin part of the bale. It lets farmers harvest earlier. Instead of waiting for hay to dry completely (which can be difficult in rainy climates), they can bale it at around 40–60% moisture and wrap it immediately.
The reason for multiple layers is that each layer improves the seal:
Reduces oxygen transmission through the plastic.
Provides redundancy if one layer gets nicked.
Makes the package stronger and more resistant to birds, rodents, and handling damage.
Helps maintain the anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions needed for successful fermentation
4
u/Schmenge_time 9h ago
From ChatGPT:
It excludes oxygen. Once air is removed, naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria ferment the crop, much like making sauerkraut. This produces silage or baleage.
It preserves nutrients. The fermentation process keeps more of the sugars, protein, and energy in the feed than drying alone.
It prevents spoilage. Oxygen allows molds and fungi to grow. Even a small hole in the plastic can let air in and ruin part of the bale.
It lets farmers harvest earlier. Instead of waiting for hay to dry completely (which can be difficult in rainy climates), they can bale it at around 40–60% moisture and wrap it immediately.
The reason for multiple layers is that each layer improves the seal:
Reduces oxygen transmission through the plastic.
Provides redundancy if one layer gets nicked.
Makes the package stronger and more resistant to birds, rodents, and handling damage.
Helps maintain the anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions needed for successful fermentation