Extensive studies of pressed pulp ensiling in plastic tubes were conducted over a two-year project. This procedure has become increasingly popular across Europe because of its flexibility, modest unit costs, small ensiling losses, and environmental friendliness. The experiments showed that, regardless of dry substance and sugar content of the raw material, delayed ensiling, and position in the tube, first-class silage with high keeping quality was uniformly obtainable. Through interposed storage, the sources of loss were identified, which can occur owing to longer transport ways with the further concentration of the sugar industry. Occasionally, the stability of the silage was unsatisfactory, and some of the causes were discussed. A sure way to solve this problem is by appropriate addition of ensiling aids. Depending on the situation, this incurs costs of EUR3-4 per t. These costs can be largely avoided if minimum requirements regarding silo and extraction management are fulfilled. This includes adhering to a minimum ensiling period of 6-8 weeks and providing an adequate extraction end closure, especially in summer. The prime costs of tube pressed pulp ensiling at high annual rates (more than 20,000 t) lie in the order of EUR3-4/t, but in the most favorable circumstances under EUR3/t.
