A26 -- Drying and Storing Selected Farm Crops (SI)

Control of moisture content and temperature during storage is critical to preserving the nutritional and economic value of farm crops as they move from the field to the market. Fungi (mold) and insects feed on poorly stored crops and reduce crop quality. Relative humidity and temperature affect mold and insect growth, which is reduced to a minimum if the crop is kept cooler than 50°F (10°C) and if the relative humidity of the air in equilibrium with the stored crop is less than 60%. This chapter addresses methods to safely store various crops and maintain their quality. DRYING Drying Equipment and Practices Shallow-Layer Drying Deep-Bed Drying DRYING SPECIFIC CROPS Soybeans Hay Cotton Peanuts Rice STORAGE PROBLEMS AND PRACTICES Moisture Migration Grain Aeration SEED STORAGE