Energy-saving drying of corn seeds and its influence on seed quality

Abstract

Goal. To establish the features and technological indicators of energy-saving drying of corn seeds using vegetable (organic) fuel, to find out how this process influences the quality of the seeds, in particular during its further storage. Methods. Laboratory — to determine the indicators of drying and quality of seeds (weight and specific gravity of seeds, thermal cracking, resistance to mechanical stress, germination, growth strength); field — to study the sowing and yield properties of corn hybrids; mathematical-statistical — to assess the reliability of the obtained data. Results. The regularities of the energy-saving drying process and its main technical and technological indicators were revealed, such as the productivity of the SKP-type dryer chamber, its seasonal capacity, the specific consumption of fuel (corn cobs), and electricity per 1 t-% of moisture evaporation. The parameters at which energy-saving drying takes place in a mild temperature and ventilation mode were determined — thermal cracking lower than 30% and increased seed resistance to injury. Compared to other methods, energy-saving drying improved the sowing and yield properties of seeds — their germination, growth strength, and yield capacity. For the first time, a positive and stimulating effect of energy-saving drying on the duration of seed storage was revealed. Conclusions. To reduce energy consumption, completely replace traditional types of fuel with vegetable ones, and obtain high-qua­lity corn seeds suitable for long-term storage, drying is recommended to be carried out using a mild temperature and ventilation regime, namely at a coolant temperature of 36 – 42°C, its relative humidity 11 – 12% and exposure, which depends on the moisture content of the grain. The soft mode is primarily recommended for drying seeds with high moisture content and those damaged by frost.