3.5
STORAGE LOCATION.
Care should be taken in finding a suitable location for the storage of bales. The storage location
should preferably be prepared before the bales are laid out. An elevation close to well-drained roads
is recommended. If the wrapped bales are simply placed on stubble there is a danger of the plastic
being pierced. A tarpaulin or a thin layer of sand should therefore be laid where the bales are to be
stored over the winter.
Bales should be stored in the shade as far as possible. This reduces the danger of air leakage in the
bales. A bale which is stored in sunlight and which therefore undergoes greater swings in temperature
"pumps in" a great deal of air in comparison to a bale which is stored in the shade. According to
"Teknik for Lantbruket" [Technology for Agriculture] in Sweden, a bale which is stored in the shade
has only 40% of the air leakage of a bale which is stored in sunlight.
3.6
STACKING / PROTECTION.
If bales are hard and well formed, they can be stacked vertically, but loose and misshapen bales with
low solid content should not be stacked higher than one layer, as this could easily cause deformity
and the danger of runoff will be increased.
Bales can also be stored on their sides. The layer of plastic is thicker here, providing greater
protection against piercing.
Bales should be covered with a tarpaulin or a fine-mesh net to protect against birds and small
rodents. If the plastic is pierced, it must be sealed with weatherproof, hard-wearing tape, preferably
under the outermost layer of plastic. Ensure that the hole is adequately sealed.
3.7
The best wrapping results are obtained by...
i
...harvesting the grass early.
i
...drying it out to 30-40% solid content. If there is a danger of rain, press and pack the
grass anyway.
i
...taking care not to mix any earth in with the grass.
i
...using a press that produces even, firm bales.
Bales 1.2 m in width and with a diameter of 1.2-1.5 m are the preferred sizes.
i
...packing the bales soon after pressing, never later than two hours afterwards.
i
...using a good type of plastic and six layers of plastic. This removes the need to use
preservatives.
i
...storing bales in the shade to reduce the danger of air leakage.
* Emergency stop: see chapter 2.1
9
