Example Calculation

Calculate the total weight of silage in a silo.

Length: 40 feet
Width: 25 feet
Depth: 10 feet
Dry Matter Density: 16 lb/cu-ft (dry basis)
Moisture Content: 60%

Convert Moisture Content to Dry Matter Content

First, convert the moisture content to dry matter content. If the moisture content is 60%, the silage contains 40% dry matter.

Dry Matter Content = 100% - Moisture Content = 100% - 60% = 40%  ( 0.40)

Calculate the Wet Basis Density

Convert the dry matter density to wet basis density using the dry matter content. Divide the dry matter density by the dry matter content:

Wet Basis Density = Dry Matter Density ÷ Dry Matter Content

 = 16 lbs/ft³ ÷ 0.40 = 40 lbs/ft³

Calculate the Volume of the Silage

Multiply the length, width, and depth to get the volume in cubic feet:

Volume of Silage = Length (ft) * Width (ft) * Depth (ft) =

 40 * 25 * 10 = 10000 ft³

Calculate the Weight of the Silage

Multiply the volume by the wet basis density to get the total weight of the silage in pounds:

Weight of Silage (lbs) = Volume * Wet Basis Density = 

 10,000ft³ * 40lb/ft³ = 400000 lbs

Convert the Weight to Tons

Divide the total weight by 2,000 to convert from pounds to tons:

Total Silage (short tons) = 400000lbs / 2000 lbs/ton = 200 tons (tn short)

Wet Basis Density: 40 lb/cu-ft
Total Silage Weight: 400,000 lb
Total Silage in Tons: 200 tons (tn short)
This silo contains 200 tons of silage at 60% moisture content.

Farming Calculators

Main Page