In several weeks, some livestock producers will be chopping whole-plant corn that will be placed in an anaerobic environment so fermentation can occur. During the ensiling process, toxic gasses of nitrogen dioxide (N02) and nitrogen tetroxide (N204) are produced when nitric oxide comes in contact with oxygen. Nitrates that have not been converted to true protein are the source of nitrogen oxides. Nitrates accumulate in plants when drought and/or when excess nitrogen is present in the soil. Nitric oxide is colorless and nitrogen dioxide is reddish brown. These gases have caused permanent lung damage in people; and have killed both livestock and humans. Greatest concern is the first few days after putting the chopped forage in the silo structure or bag. However, care should be taken for ten days after packing occurs. These silo gases float down a tower silo chute and into a barn or confined area. Whenever toxic[Read More…]