Drying and storing grains, such as corn and soybeans, are crucial steps in the agricultural supply chain. However, these processes can present significant challenges that affect the quality and profitability of agricultural enterprises.
In this article, we explore the common problems encountered during grain drying and storage, as well as the solutions to overcome them.
1. Problems Related to Grain Drying
Grain drying is essential to reduce their moisture content to a safe level for long-term storage. However, this process can be affected by several factors, including:
Grain Maturity
Grain maturity has a major influence on all operations, from harvesting to selling the crop. Immature grain will be difficult to harvest (leading to cracking and damage), difficult to dry (leading to burnt grain), and difficult to store (promoting toxins, mold, and heating).
Threshing Quality
The adjustment of the combine harvester has a significant influence on grain cracking and damage. Often invisible to the eye, cracked grain will break either during drying or handling. It is important to properly adjust the rotor speed and concave clearance to minimize grain cracking. The cleanliness of threshing will also impact the efficiency of the dryer and the ventilation of storage silos.
Drying Temperature
A too-low temperature can lead to significant degradation of grain quality, especially for bin dryers (batch drying). A too-high temperature can promote grain popping, specific weight loss, and burnt grains. All these are grain grading criteria that can influence the final sale price and the economic profitability of the enterprise.
Thermal Shocks
Some dryers have heat recovery systems to improve drying energy efficiency. However, some may be poorly adapted for northern regions. Rapid cooling of dried grains causes grain vitrification, making it fragile and highly susceptible to damage during handling.
Energy Supply
Traditional drying systems can be very energy-intensive and contribute to the environmental footprint of agriculture. New environmental standards, the carbon tax, and rising energy costs lead to increasingly higher costs for grain drying.
2. Problems Related to Grain Storage
Once dried, grains must be stored adequately to maintain their quality and market value. However, several problems can arise during storage, including:
Poor aeration
Inadequate aeration can lead to uneven distribution of heat and air in silos. Moreover, if the ventilation power is insufficient, the cooling time can be too long, increasing the risk of heating, mold, and rot.
Unpredictable Weather Conditions
Fluctuations in atmospheric temperature and humidity can make it difficult to control the silo ventilation process, especially in regions with changing weather conditions. In recent years, climate change has increased the complexity of this operation.
Mold and Rot
Moisture above recommended thresholds, generally those demanded by grain buyers, can promote mold and bacteria growth in silos or warehouses. Infrequent aeration can also promote mold and bring about a musty smell. An unpleasant smell will be an indicator for the buyer of the quality of the grains being transacted.
Although it is not a grain grading criterion, the overall appreciation the buyer has for your grains may slightly influence the purchase price, but especially their interest in pursuing further transactions with you.
Poor Handling
Handling grains gradually creates mechanical damage, resulting in a percentage of broken grain. If the percentage of broken grain exceeds grading thresholds, the buyer will discount the purchase price, resulting in an economic loss.
Broken grains also reduce air passage through the grain mass during ventilation cycles, which increases the risks of heating, mold, and rot.
Toxin Development
The development of toxins in grain is mainly linked to infection by pathogenic fungi, notably molds of the Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium genera. These fungi produce mycotoxins, toxic compounds for humans and animals. They develop when environmental conditions are favorable, generally with high relative humidity (above 70%) and warm temperatures.
The contamination period can occur at different stages, either in the field during plant growth and maturation or after harvest during storage, if the grains are not properly dried and stored under appropriate conditions.
Pest Infestation
Insects and rodents can cause significant damage to stored grains, contaminating them and reducing their market value.
Solutions and Best Practices
To overcome these challenges, farmers can implement several solutions and best practices to improve grain drying and storage:
Better Threshing
Educate combine harvester operators on the importance of threshing quality for the drying and storage process. Reducing stress on the grain during threshing greatly reduces the final broken grain rate at a grain center.
Invest in Modern Drying Equipment
Advanced drying technologies, such as continuous flow dryers and mix-flow dryers, offer more precise moisture control, better drying uniformity, and improved energy efficiency.
Opt for Alternative Energy Sources
Technological advances in the energy sector have led to the emergence of new energy sources for grain drying, notably biomass drying. Although the initial investment is relatively high, the very low cost of biomass (5x more economical) makes converting from propane to biomass very affordable.
Use Efficient Ventilation Systems
Well-designed ventilation systems ensure adequate air circulation in silos or warehouses, reducing the risk of mold and rot and preventing the formation of hot spots.
Regularly Monitor Storage Bins
Farmers should regularly monitor their silos and stored grain warehouses by conducting routine inspections. Detecting water infiltration or a foul smell allows for quick action to prevent mold, rot, or pest infestation.
Utilize Advanced Automation and Detection Technologies
Technological development in recent years has democratized access to technology, notably by reducing component costs and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI).
It is now possible to implement advanced automation systems at low cost while equipping a grain center with sensors for all operations to monitor what is happening at all times. This includes drying, handling, ventilation, degradation detection, inventories, predictive maintenance, and more.
Implement Pest Prevention Measures
Preventive measures, such as using natural repellents, traps, and regular silo cleaning, can help reduce the risk of pest infestation and protect stored grains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grain drying and storage are major steps in agricultural production that require special attention to ensure the quality and profitability of enterprises. By implementing modern technologies, effective management practices, and appropriate preventive measures, farmers can overcome the challenges related to grain drying and storage and ensure food security for future generations.