Effect of short-term storage on quality of wheat stored in large polyethylene bags

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term storage of food grains in large polyethylene bag silos with the conventional bulk storage of grain regarding quality parameters.  This storage option provides the chance to get along fluctuations in prices without investment in building operations.

75 t newly harvested wheat with a dry matter content of 89.1% was stored during a period of six months in two polyethylene bags and as control in a granary on the same farm.  After two weeks, one month, three and six months samples were collected off the first bag below the polyethylene film and in 1.20 m depth and at the same time samples were taken in the granary.  The second bag was kept closed over the six month. Results demonstrated that there are no differences between the measuring points within a bag, between the two bags and no differences between the storage systems regarding the parameters dry matter, pH, starch, crude protein, content of mesophilic microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, mould) and germination.  The temperature in the polyethylene bag silos resembled rapidly to the ambient temperature.  There was no local overheating due to microbiological activity.  The results demonstrate that the temporary grain storage in polyethylene bags does not lead to any grain quality loss compared to the conventional storage.  Because of the very low cost, the flexible bagging system represents an alternative to high investment in permanent storage structures for grain.

Key words: wheat, storage, polyethylene bags, quality, costs