SAFE STORAGE
Safe storage ensures that you see a higher market return on your grain.
Optimize the value of your grain in the most environmentally-friendly way with advanced technology tools that deliver precise real-time information on the state of your grain. Prevent mold, mites, insects and microbes from contaminating and guarantee the best yield for your hard work. Our technology provides the ability to monitor and control exact stored grain conditions to the best possible market advantage. Safe storage refers to the storage of grain for more extended periods without any spoilage or quality loss. Stored grain changes physically and chemically during the storage period. Freshly harvested grain—usually at higher moisture and temperature levels—respires and produces additional heat and moisture, leading to hotspot development, mold growth, mycotoxins development and grain spoilage in storage. Dry, cool, and clean grain can be safely stored for longer periods with careful moisture and temperature monitoring and appropriate grain management practices.
Temperature and Moisture Monitoring
Grain temperature and moisture monitoring are critical components of safe grain storage management. Cool and dry grain conditions are optimum for safe storage of grain for a longer duration. Respiration rate exponentially increases when grain starts to spoil, and mold and insects develop inside the stored commodities. A rate of change in temperature (5.5°C or 10°F per week) is a good indicator of spoilage inside the bin. Respiration also produces additional moisture due to chemical changes in stored grain, which is absorbed by surrounding stored grain. Grain may also absorb the moisture condensed from inside the bin roof and sidewalls. This increase in grain moisture levels can potentially lead to hot spot development, and mold growth and must be monitored. An increase in grain moisture levels during a non-aerated grain storage period is also an indicator of potential spoilage. By regularly monitoring grain temperature and moisture levels and ensuring that grain is dry and cool, grain can be safely stored for longer periods of time.
Temperature cables are also used as input in aeration fan control, ensuring that the fan is operated only when the ambient air is cooler than the grain, for efficient cooling with minimum fan operation and without heating the grain.
Tracking grain moisture levels during drying ensures that the fan is operated unless the grain is thoroughly dried. It also helps to prevent over-drying the grain, estimating the safe storage period and potential risk of spoilage, and making the right management decisions about handling, storing and selling the grain.