Relevance of Grain Aeration Valuable Grain Management Tool
Storage of clean grain is important as clean grain helps in Preventing mold and insects. Improving air distribution through the stored mass and also during Drying, Aeration or Cooling. Ensure that Grain is at the recommended moisture level for storage. Before storing, the storage facility should be cleaned thoroughly. Good Storage Practice
Grain Aeration Basics Why Aerate Grain Aeration is the practice of moving air through stored grain to reduce the rate of grain deterioration and prevent storage losses. Spoilage in stored grain is caused by mold growth and insect activity, which is related to the moisture content and temperature of the stored grain. Aeration greatly improves the "storability" of grain by maintaining a cool, uniform temperature throughout the storage to reduce mold development and insect activity and to prevent moisture migration.
Grain Enemies Insects Mold and Fungi Moisture Heat
Why Aerate Grain? To condition the dry grain Conditioned grain Less mold/fungi growth Less insect activity Managed moisture Managed heat Improves chances of successful long term storage
Why Aerate Grain? Because grain is alive – If planted, it will grow – It lives & breathes – It gives up moisture – It absorbs moisture – It will not be harmed by cold temperatures, but it can be harmed by too much heat
Why Aerate Grain? Because Aeration equalizes moisture Aeration equalizes temperature Control insect environment
Moisture - Temperature - Storage Capability Moisture Temperature ºCºF
Moisture Content 13%15%20%25%30% Storage Air Temperature (F) (C) 80.6 ° 75.2 ° 69.8 ° 64.4 ° 60.8 ° 55.4 ° 50.0 ° 44.6 ° 39.2 ° 35.6 ° ° 24 ° 21 ° 18 ° 16 ° 13 ° 10 ° 7 ° 4 ° 2 ° Safe Storage Period (Days)
Shelled cornSoybeans Wheat and barley Sunflowers Short term15.5%13%14%11% One year Long term Storage moisture Vs Storage Period
Warm Weather Effects Warm Air Cold Grain Cold Grain Warm Air Warm Grain Cold Air Settles Spring & Summer Moisture migration
Cool Weather Effects Cool Air Warm Grain Warm Grain Cold Air Settles Cold Grain Warm Air Rises Fall & Winter Cool Air Moisture migration
Why Aerate Grain? To equalize moisture migration
Aeration Problem Center “fines” Fines material in grain gather in the center of the silo
Aeration Solution During Silo Filling draw out some grain from silo couple of times center to make cone in grain
Aeration Problem Dirty aeration tunnels Plugged floor perforations Obstructed roof vents
Aeration Solution Clean silo tunnels, ducts, floors, and roof vents before filling silo
Aeration Problem Over filling silo
Aeration Solution Don’t overfill the silo!
Aeration Problem Spoiled grain on silo wall Keep grain temperature near average ambient air temperature to avoid condensation on walls
When to Aerate When grain and outside air temperature not more than 9 0 C difference Before 7 AM or After 7 PM. Aerate to maintain uniform temperature in the silo When you start - you must finish!
Successful Grain Storage Check grain temperatures weekly Aerate grain to remove possible “Hot” spots Aerate grain to maintain uniform temperature in the silo Aerate grain to prevent insects infestations
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