Grass to Legume Ratio in Silage

Ratio of grass: legume in silage making should be:

Correct Answer: 3:1 (Grass : Legume)

The recommended ratio of grass/cereal fodder : legume for silage making is 3:1. Grasses provide the readily fermentable sugars needed by LAB, while legumes contribute protein. Mixing at 3:1 dilutes the high buffering capacity of legumes with the more easily acidified grass component.

Silage Mixture Ratios — Rationale

Why This Ratio is Important

• Pure legume silage is very difficult to make because high buffering capacity prevents adequate pH drop.
• The 3:1 ratio ensures sufficient fermentable substrate (from grasses) overwhelms the buffering capacity of legumes.
• This ratio also produces silage with a balanced nutritive profile (energy from grass + protein from legume).
• If the mixture is predominantly legume: add 3–3.5% molasses + use AIV acid additives.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 2:1 → too much legume; buffering capacity may still prevent adequate acidification.
• 4:1 → more grass than needed; silage may be low in protein.
• 5:1 → excessive grass proportion; nutritive value (protein) will be suboptimal.