Anhydrous Ammonia

The addition of anhydrous ammonia to forage raises the pH of the forage and so tends to inhibit all microbial activity. The effect on yeasts and molds is permanent inhibition, provided the product is applied at recommended rates (7 - 10 lb/ ton of forage DM). Lactic acid bacteria, and enterobacteria, will eventually recover and the silage will ferment, though there will be a considerable delay in the fermentation, which can lead to increased dry matter losses. Ammonia is a hazardous gas and needs to be handled with care.