Effect of moisture content on some physical properties of two acha varieties (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua)

Abstract

The effect of moisture content on some physical properties of two varieties of acha was investigated. The moisture content levels used were 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26% dry basis (d.b.), and the two acha varieties used were Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua. Increase in moisture content from 10 to 26% resulted in a decrease in bulk density, solid density, porosity and specific gravity for both acha varieties. However, increase in moisture content increased the 1000 grain mass, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, angles of repose and friction on mild steel, wood and glass surfaces for both varieties. This study concludes that variety and changes in moisture content significantly affected the determined physical properties of acha. High correlation values ranging between 87.2 and 99.8% were obtained for the relationships between moisture content and acha varieties for all the parameters determined. Key words: Acha, Digitaria exilis, Digitaria iburua, moisture content, physical properties.