Novel silage from pea sprout roots and corn straw: a step towards agricultural waste utilization

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of microbial compound agent (Cellulose degrading bacteria + lactic acid bacteria) on the microbiome, fermentation, and aerobic stability of co-ensiled corn stover and pea sprout roots under various times. Corn stover and pea sprout roots in five different ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) were ensiled without (100C, 75G, 50G and 25G) or with microbial additives (100CF, 75GF, 50GF and 25GF) for 35 and 60 days. The results revealed that whether ensiling 35 days or 60 days, the CP content increased significantly in 75G (P < 0.05); The ADL content in 75GF was significantly decreased (P < 0.05); the molds, yeast and EB counts were lowest in silage by adjusting the ratio of the two mixtures with additional microbial additives compared without. Only ensiling 35 days, the WSC content was significantly increased in 75G (P < 0.05); the HL content was significantly decreased in 50G (P < 0.05); the CP content increased significantly in 75GF (P < 0.05); the LA content was significantly higher in 75G and 75GF (P < 0.05); the EB counts in 75GF decreased during aerobic exposure from 1 to 7 days; the molds counts in 75GF and 50GF decreased to the lowest values after 3 days of aerobic exposure. In conclusion, mixing dry corn stover and pea sprout roots as silage in a proper proportion with microbial additives supplementation and proper ensiling time can improve silage quality and aerobic stability. And 75% dry corn stover + 25% pea sprout roots and 50% dry corn stover + 50% pea sprout roots combined with microbial additives and after 35 days ensiling can obtain better quality silage.