Silos are advanced vertical storage units used in agriculture to store large volumes of grain, incorporating functions like drying and fumigation. There are three main types of silos: tower silos, bag silos, and bunker silos, each with distinct characteristics and benefits. While silos offer advantages like rodent prevention and optimal storage conditions, they also come with potential risks such as fire hazards.

1. SILOS
MASS GRAIN STORAGE UNITS

2. Silos
Silos are large storage units which are used in
agriculture to store huge volumes of grain.
Silos use the principal of vertical storage. They
harness advanced technology in their
processing. They are modern granaries which
combine various storage procedures in one
like drying, fumigation etc.

3. Types of silos
There are three types of silos:
1. Tower silos
2. Bag silos
3. Bunker silos

4. Tower silo
Tower silos are tall cylindrical structures that
can be up to 30m in diameter and 85m in
height. Tower silos have an opening on top
through which the grain is loaded. They have
fans on top to keep them dry. There is a
special type of tower silo called low-oxygen
tower silos that can be used for preserving
grain for long times. The low oxygen keeps the
grain in high quality state by preventing it from
decay. Since the only opening is on top, it is
impossible for rodents to enter.

5. Bag silo
Bag silos can be up to 2.5m diameter and 75m
in height. Compared to other types of silos,
they are easily portable. The lay on the grain
and are not erect. They are economically
feasible, thereby farmers can save for the next
crop. And also, grain can be stored by farmers
for long time in low costs and sell them when
there is demand.

6. Bunker silo
Bunker silos are trenches ,usually with
concrete walls ,that are filled and packed with
tractors and loaders. The filled trench is
covered with a plastic tarp to make it airtight.
These silos are usually unloaded with a tractor
and loader. They are inexpensive and
especially well suited to very large operations

7. Pros and cons
PROS
Prevention against rodent infestation
Sterile
Occupies less space
Maintains optimum storage conditions.
CONS
 High risk of fire
Bridging

8. Silos vs granaries
SILOS
Implement new technology
Maintain favourable conditions
Eliminate chance of degradation
Prevents rodent infestation
GRANARIES
Ancient
Uncontrollable conditions
Higher chances of degradation
Rodent infestations reported