Grains are stored throughout the supply chain from on-farm storage where the grain is produced. Improper storage of grain may result in significant quantity and quality loss. The high postharvest losses in grains are caused by a combination of factors such as: high grain temperature, high grain moisture, immaturity, poor storage conditions, prolonged storage duration, insects, microorganisms, mites, rodents, birds, dockage, design and type of grain storage system and geographical location.
Smart grain management technology allows wireless monitoring of grain conditions using temperature and moisture sensing cables and grain can be dried using full automated aeration fan and heater control with inputs from sensing.
The objective of this project is to minimize postharvest losses of crops in Alberta by using smart sensing technology in postharvest storage and handling. It will benefit the industry through improvement in grain management technology which will allow early harvest and ensure increased profitability of Canadian farmers and the grain industry by improving the grain storage through quality optimization, moisture control, energy savings, and reduced operating cost.