The aim of this work was to study the effects of moisture at harvest and time of storage upon grains of corn dried and stored in bins with forced natural air. Grains of corn harvested with 17.8; 18.9, and 20.5% of water were stored in drying bins with false floor with fans working full-time until drying. Samples of corn were collected at zero, 4, 8, 22, and 112 days from six different heights in each bin (10, 60, 110, 160, 210 and 260 cm). The chemical composition was determined through Near-Infrared Spectrophotometer (NIR) and the results were expressed in percentage at dry basis. The data were statistically analyzed (Anova) and for the significant interactions graphics of regression were provided. In the process of determination of protein, fat, dry matter, and neutral detergent fiber the interactions were significant at 5% error probability, whereas in ash, moisture and carbohydrates no significant difference was observed. Forced natural air is able to reduce corn moisture up to 13%, thus it is technically feasible in familiar properties.
Zea mays; post-harvest; industrial quality; NIR
