Changes in Intergranular Air Properties and Chemical Parameters of Short-term Stored Bulk Shelled Corn with Slightly High Moisture Content

Abstract

Objective: This study is to determine the main parameters influencing the storage of shelled corn with slightly high moisture content (MC) so that its quality can be maintained. Methods: The intergranular air properties and chemical changes was determined in 4,169 tonnes of shelled corn bulk with an average MC of 15.3% and a height of 5m, which was stored for 90 days in a large warehouse in Shandong Province, China, from winter to early spring. The intergranular air property parameters were calculated with self-compiled software. Results: Fans were used to achieve temperature-equalizing aeration at a low rate (5.87m3/h/t) after warehousing, which decreased the bulk temperature from 6.8 to 4.7℃. Afterwards, with the increase in ambient temperature, the surface-layer grain temperature increased drastically, while that of the bottom layer increased slowly and those of the middle layers increased even more slowly. The minimum and mean cumulative dry-bulb, wet-bulb and dew-point temperatures (DPT) increased in the order of middle layer˂ bottom layer˂ surface layer. Free fatty acid content, kernel breakage percentage, water adsorption rate, gelatinization enthalpy, peak enthalpy, and fatty acid profiles (C16:0, C18:0, C18:3n3, C20:0 and C20:1) were significantly related to the cumulative intergranular air properties of grain bulk. Conclusion: The above physio-chemical parameters were significantly influenced by the minimum and mean cumulative values of relative humidity, Humidity ratio and DPT in the bulk, and can be used to evaluate the quality of shelled corn with slightly high MC during short-term storage.