en
de
ru
uk
es
Currency selection
The entire agricultural market on one website
Grain storage in plastic bags has been used by Ukrainian farmers for the last 10 years. This method is simple, safe and economical.
How to store grain in bags
The method is based on grain storage in specific anaerobic conditions. The necessary conditions are created by the grain. As a result of the breathing of grain mass, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced. The microclimate inside the plastic bag becomes unfavorable for insects and diseases. With a minimum level of humidity, the grain can be stored for up to one and a half years.
The risk degree of grain storage
|
Type of grain |
Low |
Medium-low |
Medium-high |
|
Soy-corn-wheat and other grain crops |
Up to 14% |
14-16% |
More than 16% |
|
Sunflower |
Up to 11% |
11-14% |
More than 14% |
*the moisture of seed material should be on 1%-2% less than the value in the table
The storage time of soy, corn, wheat, other grain crops and sunflower
|
Moisture |
Low |
Medium-low |
Medium-high |
|
Up to 14% |
6 months |
12 months |
18 months |
|
Up to 14-16% |
2 months |
6 months |
12 months |
|
More than 16% |
1 month |
2 months |
3 months |
Bags have 2 - 4 protective layers and are divided into 6, 9 and 10 feet. A protective layer against ultraviolet radiation helps increase the storage period of grain. A stretch bar minimizes the chance of the bag breaking. For the Ukrainian conditions, bags with a thickness of 240 microns are best suited.
What are the advantages of this type of storage
Economic. Storing grain at an elevator often increases the cost of the crop. The cost of the elevator services is 15% - 35% of the product price. For grain storage in plastic bags, large investments, as for the construction of storage facilities, are not needed. The cost part is reduced to the purchase of equipment, bags for storage and site preparation.
Technological. The lack of transport for grain collecting from under the combine harvester, as well as lack of storage facilities cause a forced stop of the harvesting campaign. There is no such problem while storing grain in plastic bags.
Logistic. No need to transport grain to the elevator. You can store grain in the bags directly in the field. Transportation costs are reduced. Grain is distributed according to varieties, places of harvest, humidity and other characteristics. Clear labeling eliminates bags depersonalization.
Additional. During storage, the grain undergoes post-harvest ripening, and its quality is improved. Bagged of grain can also be used in the credit pledge.
What machinery is needed
The technology is based on the implementation of a number of operations - delivery of grain with the subsequent loading into the bagss and unloading at the end of storage.
To do this, the following equipment and materials are used: plastic bags for grain storage, a loader, an unloader, a reloader and two tractors (category MTZ-80 (82)). Grain feeding is performed with the help of tail lifts or grain loaders ZM-60 (ZM-80).
Technology gaps
The Ukrainian manufacturers consider the risk of the bag damage to be the main problem. It becomes possible as a result of tearing by branches or stones, damage by rodents, birds, and the human factor is not excluded.
Troubleshooting methods:
- It is important to choose a flat, hard, weed-free, stubble-free, place away from the trees and possible sources of damage. Inspect the bags regularly and seal the tears.
- Protect from pests, because the smell of grain attracts mice and birds. Spilled grain should be removed immediately. Destroy nearby holes. Rodenticide baits are put at the edges of the bags. Sulfur-containing means for rodent control are not suitable, as they damage the polyethylene bags. It is also important to fight weeds in the storage area.
- In case of hail, seal the tears as soon as possible. The likelihood of damage to the bag during a hail increases If a bag is too stretched, the possibility of hail damage increases. That is why watch out carefully for polyethylene stretching. For additional protection, cover the bags with plastic remained after unpacking the previous storage.
- Fire risk. If the storage ground is situated in the field, the stubble around the storage bags is removed.
- Theft and bag damage can be prevented by choosing the right storage site and its protection.
