Abstract: A method for preserving and controlling the fermentation of silages and high moisture content grains, for example, high moisture content corn and corn silage, by adding to the silage or grain an amount of an alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite, metabisulfite or mixtures thereof sufficient to rapidly create a substantially anaerobic atmosphere in the silage, but insufficient of itself to provide a substantial bactericidal effect in the silage or grain. The alkali metal sulfite, bisulfite or metabisulfite is preferably added to the silage, together with an alkali metal sulfate and an amylolytic enzyme, preferably malt diastase or any of the following: alpha amylase, beta amylase or amylase from aspergillus oryzae.

Abstract: There is provided, a method for preserving high moisture content agricultural grains, which comprises treating such grains with a composition consisting essentially of: 1) an organic food-grade acid or phosphoric acid, 2) any water-soluble, non-corrosive, non-toxic, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfate salt, and 3) a synthetic organic cationic or anionic surfactant for enhancing the penetration of said acid into said grains.

Abstract: There is provided, a method for preserving high moisture content agricultural grains, which comprises treating such grains with a composition consisting essentially of (1) an organic foodgrade acid or phosphoric acid, and (2) a synthetic organic cationic or anionic surfactant for enhancing the penetration of said acid into and through said grains.