Frequently Asked Questions Home: > Frequently Asked Questions: > Agriculture Related Frequently Asked Questions - Agriculture Related Why is Grinding and Compressing a grain sample advantageous? What is A.T.C.? How can I measure the moisture content in crops not pre-programmed in my instrument? How can I check the calibration of my grain moisture meter? Can I measure temperature of grain in the store with my Protimeter moisture meter? What are the requirements for safe grain storage? What can I do if there is a discrepancy between my moisture meter reading and that of my merchants or other party? What is the ideal storage temperature for grain? Why is Grinding and Compressing a grain sample advantageous? During harvesting and drying, the moisture level within individual grains may not be evenly distributed. Grain that has been exposed to rain showers would have a wet husk, but it may be sufficiently dry at its core. Conversely, grain from the drier may appear to be very dry on its surface, but may still have excessively high moisture levels within it. Representative and reliable moisture readings can only be obtained under these circumstances by measuring a ground sample that has been compressed onto the measurement cell of the moisture meter. The grinding ensures that unrepresentative moisture levels on the surface do not skew the measurement and the compression ensures consistency and repeatability. Back to top What is A.T.C.? Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) is a facility that corrects the moisture measurement of a sample with respect to its temperature. Protimeter moisture meters are calibrated at 20°C; if the temperature of the sample is significantly above or below this figure, the moisture measurement requires correction to account for changes in electrical characteristics. All Protimeter moisture meters automatically correct for the effects of temperature on moisture measurements. For this reason, Protimeter recommend that the ATC function is always active when measuring the moisture level of crop samples. ATC should only be deactivated when using the ‘Quickcheck’ device to check the calibration of the instrument with respect to factory settings. Back to top How can I measure the moisture content in crops not pre-programmed in my instrument? If the crop to be tested is not pre-programmed into the instrument, a moisture reading is taken using the 0-100 relative scale. The value is noted, and reference is made to the Protimeter Crop Calibration Data table. This table, supplied with all Protimeter moisture meters, enables the user to convert the relative reading into the actual moisture content value. Back to top How can I check the calibration of my grain moisture meter? A 'Quickcheck' device is supplied with all Protimeter grind-compress moisture meters for checking the instrument’s set up and calibration. If the meter readings are not within the stated tolerance as given in the instruction manual, you are advised to return your instrument to the Protimeter Service Centre for servicing. Back to top Can I measure temperature of grain in the store with my Protimeter moisture meter? Most Protimeter grain meters can be used with optional temperature probes for this purpose. To find out if a Temperature Probe is available for your existing meter, please contact us and advise what model of instrument you are using. Back to top What are the requirements for safe grain storage? There are four key requirements that must be satisfied if grain is to be stored safely: The moisture content of the grain should not exceed 15%. Temperature gradients within the grain should be evened out and the bulk temperature should be reduced to the lowest possible level. The grain must be protected from moisture ingress and condensation. The grain must be protected from pests including insects, mites, birds and rodents. For further information on these topics please refer to the Protimeter booklet 'CARE OF GRAIN' that can be downloaded from the Downloads page of this site. Back to top What can I do if there is a discrepancy between my moisture meter reading and that of my merchants or other party? There are many variables that subtly affect the calibration of moisture meters including measurement technology, crop variety, and soil types, growing conditions and geographical regions. One has to accept, therefore, that moisture meter measurements are subject to working tolerances, and modest discrepancies between different meters are to be expected. Protimeter grain moisture meters have a facility to adjust calibrations, if required, to account for these variables. For example, pragmatic farmers may choose to compare the results obtained on their moisture meter with those of their merchant on a sample at the beginning of the season. If there is a discrepancy, they may agree to match their meters by adjusting the calibration of particular crops. Back to top What is the ideal storage temperature for grain? The grain temperature affects the relative humidity in the voids between the kernels. Low temperatures reduce the amount of water available to mites and moulds and vice versa, so the storage temperatures should be reduced to minimum sustainable levels because, practically speaking, cooling has the same effect as drying. A graph showing the relationship between temperatures and moisture levels is reproduced in the Protimeter booklet ''CARE OF GRAIN' that can be downloaded from the 'Downloads page of this site.
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