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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #223818

Title: Evaluation of an in situ Grain Moisture Sensor

Author
item Casada, Mark

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2008
Publication Date: 2/26/2008
Citation: Casada, M. 2008. Evaluation of an in situ Grain Moisture Sensor. Meeting Abstract. Presentation at NC-213 Annual Meeting; Omaha, NE; February 26-27, 2008.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Grain storage managers could improve the quality of stored grain if they could directly monitor grain moisture content in storage bins, which is a key indicator of stored grain quality and an early indicator of deterioration. However, the necessary sensors are not commercially available. A new capacitive sensor was tested to determine its suitability and accuracy for moisture content measurements in grain. Sensors were calibrated using six samples of HRW wheat, varieties from three states and two crop years, over a temperature range of 10° to 30°C. The best-fit linear calibration models had standard error of prediction (SEP) values that averaged 0.68% w.b. moisture content for data that was not corrected with test weight. The average SEP improved to 0.50% w.b. when the readings were corrected based on sample test weight, yielding a 95% confidence interval of ±0.99% w.b .for these data. The sensor performance indicated it will be an effective tool for monitoring stored grain and for rapid determination of grain moisture content in bulk grain containers in typical grain industry applications.