Moisture content for safe storage

Grains should be dried to a certain moisture content (MC) depending on storage period to avoid potential problems:

Storage period

Required MC for safe storage

Potential problems

weeks to a few months

14% or less

molds, discoloration, respiration loss
insect damage, moisture adsorption

8–12 months

13% or less

insect damage

storage of farmer's seeds

12% or less

loss of germination

<1 year

9% or less

loss of germination

A rule of thumb for seed is that the life of the seed will be halved for every 1% increase in moisture content or a 5°C increase in storage temperature.