Abstract
Inert atmosphere silo (IAS) has been advocated by Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) as a sustainable alternative to the use of conventional silos and synthetic chemicals for grains storage in tropical climates. A battery of two units of 250 tonnes IAS installed at the commercial farm of Landmark University Omu-Aran by NSPRI was evaluated for maize storage. Quality parameters such as proximate compositions and microbial loads were determined and their respective results subjected to T-Test statistical analysis. The results of the analysis showed a slight increase in moisture content from 10.57 % to 10.66 % (db) after 6 months of storage. During the storage period, insect infestation was completely suppressed and quality of the grain was maintained, as there was no significant difference at (P≤ 0.05) in the proximate compositions of the initial and final samples. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in bacteria loads and fungi counts of the initial and final samples. Reduction in microbial loads was experienced and the values obtained were within acceptable limits (104 Cfu/g) recommended for cereals. The germinability of the maize was maintained at 96 % after 6 months; thus indicating effectiveness of the technology for commercial storage of maize seed.
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