Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of air-drying temperature and initial moisture content on volume shrinkage, physical quality and oil extraction yield of soybean grains. The grains used in this experiment were harvested at two distinct moisture levels of 19 and 25%. Then, these grains were taken to dryness at three different air temperatures of 75 °C, 90 °C and 105 °C, in a forced circulation convection oven of the air. The results showed a drying time reduction with increasing air temperatures. Regarding volume shrinkage, moisture content reductions influenced grain volume and the Rahman's model was the one that best fit the data. Moreover, the higher the air temperature, the greater the effects on soybean grain shrinkage and physical quality. By grain volume reduction effected on oil yield, major impacts were observed when assessing grain initial moisture content were higher. Furthermore, the temperature of 105°C and an initial moisture content of 25% were the factors that most affected soybean grain quality, however not affecting oil extraction yield.
Highlights
Brazilian agriculture has a high yield potential that increases each year
The soybean grains were purchased from private companies located in the cities of Chapadão do Sul (MS) and Chapadão do Céu (GO), both in Brazil, which were harvested at different initial moisture content (19% and 25%)
The drying process aimed at removing water content from soybeans by simultaneous heat transfer and airflow from water vapor to grains (GONELI et al 2011; CORADI et al 2016)
Summary
Brazilian agriculture has a high yield potential that increases each year. In 2012/ 2013, there was a record of 53.27 million hectares being grown. One of the crops that has most contributed to such growing trend is soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). The average yield of this crop have increased due to technology breakthroughs and increased acreage. Some areas of the Brazilian Cerrado which have been used for cattle rearing are being converted into soybean fields (CONAB, 2013). Soybean yields in 2013/ 2014 season reached 3,056 kg ha-1, being 356 kg ha-1 higher than the previous season (2,700 kg ha-1) (CONAB, 2013)
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