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.