Solar-Supplemented, Natural Air Drying of Shelled Corn: The Economic Limitations

摘要

It is not economically feasible to supplement natural air drying of high-moisture shelled corn by adding heat (solar and otherwise). In some cases, that drying method speeds product deterioration. A simulation analysis of the west central Great Plains determined that benefits from adding solar heat to batch-in-bin and layer-in-bin grain drying methods failed to offset the solar heat installation costs and product deterioration losses. Findings also suggest that high-speed, high-temperature drying is necessary to avoid field losses and to ensure marketable corn of high quality.