A Technique of Monitoring Acidity of Silage during Preservation and Storage
1977
Sprague, Milton A. | Taylor, B Brooks
Measurement of the rate of drop in pH of silage is important in research since it indicates the kind of fermentation which takes place. Ability to monitor pH changes without opening the silo permits a time-development study of agronomic factors which affect the efficiency of preservation of different kinds of forages, pH electrodes were placed within plastic silos and electrode lead wires extended through the plastic to a portable pH meter outside. In addition, a KCI agar-salt bridge was inserted and led to a calomel electrode outside the silo. Its perormance was compared closely with where both electrodes were placed in the silo (r = 0.995). The method is demonstrated with data from 12 silos of orchardgrass fertilized with 28, 140 and 364 kg/ha of N and harvested at early and late stages of maturity. Medium N forage harvested at late maturity attained a pH of 4.2 within 15 hours, whereas that harvested early required 2 days. High N forage of early maturity remained above pH 4.2 for 103 days and butyric acid was detected. Dry matter content of forage below 30% is required for best operation of the electrodes.
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