Silos

Silos are storage structures designed to hold bulk materials such as grain, silage, or other dry commodities. They protect contents from weather, pests, and moisture, and facilitate controlled handling and unloading. In agriculture, silos commonly store dry grain or encased forage (silage) for feeding livestock.

There are several forms. Tower silos are tall cylinders made of concrete, steel, or masonry; bunker silos are long horizontal walls often with earth shoulders. For grain, silos may be cylindrical with a conical or flat bottom and an inside discharge mechanism; for silage, horizontal or vertical structures are used to exclude air and promote fermentation.

Operation: Dry grain silos often include ventilation or aeration systems to adjust moisture and temperature; silage silos are packed tightly and sealed to create anaerobic conditions. Unloading is via gravity, augers, or conveyor systems from the bottom or side outlets. Materials vary widely in bulk density and may require different floors and foundations.

Safety and maintenance: Silos require structural integrity to prevent collapse, liners and ladders for safe access, and regular cleaning to prevent crusts and pests. Grain dust can pose explosion and asphyxiation hazards; falls, engulfment, and entrapment pose risks during maintenance.

Global and historical note: Silos have been used since ancient times in agriculture and modern industry has adapted silos for cement, coal, pellets, and other bulk materials, with automation including sensors, temperature monitoring, and automatic discharge.