How many layers of wrap should I apply?

More layers reduces oxygen permeability and the risk of damage to the wrap. A minimum of 4 layers (50% overlap) is essential but increasing to 6 is beneficial as it provides a better oxygen barrier. Some work at CEDAR with black wrap found that 10% DM losses with 4 layers were reduced to just 1% by using 6 layers; the silage also had a better feed value. You should also use more layers with more mature or stalky forages, and very high DM grass, eg haylage, as well as with square bales.