A Model for the Prediction of the Moisture Content of Cereals at Harvesting Time with Realtime Weather Data

Abstract

A model which predicts the course of the moisture content of wheat and barley at harvesting time is presented. The input of the weather elements can be measured by standard weather stations. The model uses the air temperature and the dew point temperature, both at screen height, the wind speed at 10 m height, amount of rain, the global radiation and the cloud cover. All weather elements are taken hourly, except the quantity of rain which is taken every 6 h. The process of drying and rewetting is described. Different weather conditions are shown. The course of the moisture content of wheat and barley calculated by the model is compared with measurements made in field experiments. Favourable agreement was found between model and experiment.