The volume of a cylinder is πr2h, where r is the radius of the base of the cylinder and h is the height of the cylinder. Since the storage silo is a cylinder with volume 72π cubic yards and height 8 yards, it is true that 72π=πr2(8),where r is the radius of the base of the cylinder, in yards. Dividing both sides of 72π=πr2(8) by 8π gives r2=9,and so the radius of base of the cylinder is 3 yards. Therefore, the diameter of the base of the cylinder is 6 yards. Therefore, the diameter of the base of the cylinder is 6 yards.