32. Drying 3
-INDEX-
Quality aspects of drying
Grain moisture and grain quality
Grain quality determination
Moisture content measurement
Moisture content calculation
Moisture content for post-harvest
Drying guidelines
Potential economic aspect of drying
Grain moisture and grain quality
The purpose of drying is to reduce the MC of paddy to a level safe for storage.
The longer the grain needs to be stored, the lower the required MC of the grain.
Some problems related to incomplete or untimely drying or storage of paddy with high MC are:
a) Heat build up in the grain
Results from heat generated by natural respiration of stored, wet paddy.
Causes growth of molds, insect damage and quality deterioration.
b) Mold development
Molding propagates diseases and may release toxins into the grain.
Fungi can make rice unsafe for nourishment and totally unusable for food or livestock feed.
c) Insect infestation
Lower grain MC causes less insect infestations.
A combination of proper drying, storage practices and storage hygiene,
can minimize insect infestation to acceptable levels.