Visqueen has developed a twin-layer sheet that halves the time it takes to properly seal a silage pit.

The first part of the Synergy combination is the firm’s Clingseal vacuum membrane – a flexible underlayer that helps eliminate air pockets in the forage to minimise spoilage on the top and shoulders of the clamp.

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Above this is a thicker and more durable green-black Agri-S top sheet, meaning both can be unfurled at once to cover the clamp properly in one go.

At 60p/sq m, the double-up costs more than it would to buy the two products separately, with a 16x50m Clingseal coming in at just under 13p/sq m (£100) and a 16x40m Agri-S at 20p/sq m (£130).

However, with labour shortages the main driver behind an estimated 60% of farmers applying only a top sheet, the company says the investment will be quickly repaid in improved forage quality.

According to its research, dry matter losses can top 20% under a single sheet, compared with sub-10% when using top and bottom covers.

With recent silage prices hitting £60-£70/t, this could translate into a wastage saving of up to £7.61/t.

© Visqueen