Sustainable Silage practical manual for farmers

“Sustainable Silage” project partners have prepared a manual for farmers introducing practical environmentally-friendly silage management practices and technologies. This manual is the result of collaboration, bringing together decades of experience, practical knowledge, and science-based comprehension from neighbouring countries with long-standing traditions in forage cultivation and preservation. Researchers and advisors from Finland, Latvia, and Estonia, all familiar with various climate, soil, and farm types, have contributed their expertise. The manual includes 15 chapters covering topics like calculating the required amount of silage, suitable plant species and mixtures, grassland management, corn silage production, minimizing bird damages, harvesting and storage technologies, fermentation, front face management, silage effluent and waste management and links to the carbon balance.

Many of the practices described are trial-and-error based, and have been over time further developed in the fields. The aim is not only to inform, but also to promote learning and dialogue among farmers, advisors, and scientists. Sustainable Silage partners hope this manual provides, in addition to practical guidance, a shared understanding of how modern silage management can support the economic viability of the farmer and environmental sustainability at the same time. Special attention is paid to the environmental impact through the whole chain of silage production.

The English, Finnish, Estonian and Latvian versions of the manual are available here: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/sustainable-silage/103-project-materials/