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Silage production is a vital process for many livestock farms, providing nutrient‐rich feed for dairy and beef operations. A key variable in silage quality is the cutting height at which the header severs plants—whether corn, sorghum, or other forage crops. Proper cutting height affects forage yield, nutritional value, soil health, and ease of subsequent field operations. Shijiazhuang Tianren Agricultural Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. designs silage headers with precise height adjustment systems to help producers achieve consistent, high‐quality cuts. This article delves into best practices for setting silage header cutting height, addressing crop considerations, soil impact, and operational efficiency.
Before adjusting cutting height, it is important to recognize how different heights influence silage quality and field conditions:
Nutrient Profile and Quality: In crops such as corn, the majority of fibers and lignin accumulate in the lower stalk. Harvesting too close to the ground introduces coarse stalk material into the silage, which is less digestible for ruminants. Conversely, cutting too high leaves behind a significant portion of the stover, reducing total dry matter harvest.
Dry Matter Yield: Leaving a minimal stubble (e.g., 8–12 inches above ground) balances grain‐to‐stover ratio and helps conserve soil moisture. However, extremely low cuts (below 6 inches) can increase soil intake and potential spoilage of the harvested material.
Risk of Soil Contamination: Lower cutting heights increase the chance of digging into the soil, especially in soft or wet conditions. Soil contamination can introduce sand and bacteria into the silo, reducing feed quality and increasing wear on processing equipment.
Residue Management: Leaving stubble at a moderate height (e.g., 10–14 inches in corn) facilitates residue breakdown and retains protective cover over the soil. This stubble height choice helps with erosion control and can aid in no‐till or reduced‐till systems.
Corn Silage: Common practice is to set the header to cut at approximately 10–12 inches above the soil surface. This retains the top portion of stover (which contains most nutrients) while minimizing inclusion of lower stalk that contains excessive fiber. In wetter conditions, raising the header to 12–14 inches can help prevent soil ingestion.
Sorghum Silage: Similar guidelines apply to sorghum. A cutting height of 8–10 inches usually balances yield and quality. If the crop has lodged or bent stalks, consider raising the header slightly (to 10–12 inches) to avoid pulling soil into the harvester.
Mixed Forage (e.g., Ryegrass or Alfalfa): For dense grass or legume stands, a 3–4 inch stubble height is common. However, headers should be set no lower than 2 inches to prevent root clumps or soil from entering the cut. In fields with undulating terrain, slightly higher settings (3–5 inches) reduce the risk of scalping.
Assess Field Conditions: Before the harvest commences, walk the field to identify areas of varying soil firmness, lodged crop, or weed density. Flag these areas to anticipate potential height adjustments.
Measure Key Markers: Using a simple measuring stick or marked rod, determine the proportional height above the soil that corresponds to the recommended cut (e.g., 10 inches for corn). Note these distances clearly on the header’s adjustment chart if available.
Reference Manufacturer Settings: Headers often include numbered stops or hydraulic presets indicating height increments. Align the header lift to the numbered setting closest to your target height. If manual screw adjustments are required, count the revolutions and cross‐reference with the user manual for precise height changes.
Position Gauge Wheels or Skids: If the header rests on gauge wheels or skids, ensure they are positioned so that the cutting bar remains parallel to the ground. Uneven gauge wheel placement can cause the bar to dig into the soil on one side. For silage headers with dual gauge wheels, adjust each side independently until the header sits level.
Enable Float Mode (if available): In fields with minor undulations, hydraulic or spring‐loaded float allows the header to follow ground contours automatically. Engage this mode and confirm that the header can move up or down within a 2–3 inch range without resistance.
Observe Stubble Height: Harvest a short swath and then immediately inspect the stubble height. It should match the measured target from Step 1. If the stubble is too low (e.g., less than 8 inches in corn), raise the header; if too high (e.g., above 14 inches), lower it marginally.
Check Material Quality: Examine harvested forage for excessive soil or dirt clods. If soil is present in the cut material, raise the header by at least 1–2 inches and test again. Slight adjustments can make a noticeable difference in feed quality and machine wear.
Verify Uniformity: Walk along the test swath to confirm that the header maintained an even cut across its entire width. If one side appears lower or higher, inspect gauge wheel settings and header frame for misalignment.
Wet or Soft Soils: In fields with wet spots or soft ground, temporarily increase cutting height by 1–2 inches. Soil conditions can shift rapidly due to morning dew or recent rainfall, so it is prudent to monitor moisture levels and adapt accordingly.
Variable Crop Height: If the crop has significant height variation—such as a headland where heads are taller—consider raising the header slightly when entering that zone. Some modern headers allow split‐head height settings, enabling different left/right heights to match crop variability.
Slope and Terrain: On sloped fields, the downhill side of the header may cut deeper than intended. If possible, tilt the header slightly (if the design permits) or manually monitor stubble height more frequently to avoid scalping at the low end.
Minimizing Coarse Stalks: While lower cuts capture more total dry matter, they introduce more lignified stalk that reduces digestibility. If feed testing shows high fiber content, consider raising the header by 1 inch to exclude the lower stalk portion.
Balancing Stover and Grain Heads: In corn silage, the proportion of grain to stover influences energy content. If kernels remain unharvested on the head after chopping, lower the header slightly (by 0.5–1 inch) to capture more of the ear. Conversely, if an excess of fine stover is being harvested, raise the header to focus on ear inclusion.
Chopping Consistency: The header’s cutting height affects how uniform the chop length is when the material enters the harvester’s processor. Uneven height can cause variable chop lengths, complicating silo packing and fermentation. Aim to maintain a smooth, continuous header movement to support consistent chop flow.
Check Hydraulic Connections: On headers with hydraulic height controls, inspect hoses, fittings, and cylinders for leaks or weakened seals. Hydraulic fluid loss can cause sudden header drops, leading to unintended scalping.
Inspect Skids and Shoes: Gauge wheels and skid plates wear over time. Worn skids can allow the header to drop below intended height in spots without the operator noticing. Replace or reverse skids periodically to ensure uniform thickness.
Knife Bar and Bed Knife Integrity: Ensure that the knife bar assembly is straight and free of bends. Over time, contact with hidden rocks—or repeated stress on the ends—can twist the bar. A misaligned knife bar impedes clean cuts and may lead to lower stalk sections being left or uneven stubble heights.
Routine Cleanup: After each day’s harvest, clear residue from the knife area, skids, and gauge wheels. Accumulated chaff can lift the header slightly, altering the cutting height on the next day. A clean header ensures repeatable cutting settings.
Setting the correct silage header cutting height is a balance between maximizing yield and preserving feed quality. Headers from Shijiazhuang Tianren Agricultural Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. offer precise height adjustment mechanisms—whether through hydraulic presets, manual screw jacks, or floating gauge wheels—that help operators achieve targeted stubble heights across varying field conditions. By surveying field terrain, conducting test cuts, and fine‐tuning settings for crop type and soil moisture, producers can harvest silage that meets nutritional goals while minimizing soil contamination and maintaining residue benefits. Regular maintenance of gauges, skids, and the knife bar preserves the accuracy of these settings, ensuring consistent silage quality and efficient workflow throughout the harvesting season.