Condensation And Mold On Grain

A few days ago.I took this picture during my visit.

　　This was taken inside a corn silo, and at a glance you can see a lot of problems.

　　The corn was not well cleaned at the time of loading, with dust, impurities and bag residue clearly visible.

　　Even though the average moisture content of the corn was 10%, the moisture content on the silo walls was clearly higher.

　　During the cold season, more moisture condenses, causing the corn to form a coating on the silo walls.

　　A closer look reveals that the zinc coating on the silo walls has been oxidized by aggressive acids produced by the respiratory activity of the grain.

　　Some rust has even appeared. Fungal infestation and mycotoxins are another concern.

　　In short, grain management must be done properly.

　　So how do we manage grains properly?

　　1：Causes of grain condensation and mold

　　Most of the grain condensation because the grain temperature and warehouse temperature and air temperature difference is large, when the hot air meets the cold, which the water vapor condensation and produce the bright water.

　　Outside the temperature is significantly higher than the grain temperature, the hot air in the grain pile rises, in the grain surface when the cold air, which the water vapor will also condense in the grain surface to produce condensation phenomenon.

　　Therefore, in the seasonal transition, rapid temperature changes, or low-temperature grain in the summer are very easy to produce condensation phenomenon.

　　So in these times, must strengthen the inspection, especially when the temperature is mostly condensation temperature, should pay attention to the condensation situation occurs at any time.

　　Check the condensation of the parts of the grain surface below 5cm-30cm, sunny side, the back of the shady side of the barn wall near and some of the dead center part.

　　Check dew cycle according to the grain and temperature changes and determine, if the grain is stable, and the difference between the grain temperature and the outside temperature is far less than the dew point temperature, extend the 7d-10d check once;;.

　　If the grain moisture is high or the difference between the grain temperature and the outside temperature is large, or reach the dew point temperature, at least 3d to check once.

　　If there has been condensation, it is necessary to check the condensation situation at any time, and according to the situation, the timely use of mechanical ventilation, turning the grain surface, add mildew inhibitor and other measures to deal with.

　　Grain contains a large number of molds, but in the grain moisture is low (within the safe moisture), the grain temperature is normal, most of these molds are in a state of inhibition, will not cause grain mold, once the grain moisture changes (such as condensation), or abnormal changes in the grain temperature, especially when the moisture rises, the mold activity in the grain increases greatly, respiration is accelerated, accelerated growth and reproduction, resulting in grain mold.

　　Mold inspection of grain, to be combined with moisture inspection, the moisture significantly increased parts, to strengthen the inspection of the mold situation, if necessary, to take samples to detect the content of mold and changes in the situation.

　　2：Prevention and control of grain condensation

　　Utilize the grain inspection system to determine the changes in grain temperature and air temperature in time. When the difference between grain temperature and air temperature is close to or reaches the dew point temperature difference, check the moisture change of the surface layer of the grain pile at any time.

　　If dew phenomenon occurs, it should be dealt with immediately by turning the grain surface, opening the ventilating fan to remove moisture, mechanical ventilation, dumping the warehouse and other methods.