Open AccessCommercial utilization of inert atmosphere silo for maize storage
Author(s) -
S. N. Oyewole,
E. K. Gbabe,
Adeniyi Olayanju,
A. O. Adebiyi,
O. A. Ogunbiyi,
G. I. Abel,
Moses O. Ogundare,
I. G. Adarabierin,
F. F. Olayemi,
Abiodun A. Okunola
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/445/1/012046
Subject(s) - silo , information silo , environmental science , moisture , significant difference , modified atmosphere , zoology , horticulture , toxicology , agronomy , food science , biology , chemistry , mathematics , shelf life , statistics , organic chemistry
Inert atmosphere silo (IAS) has been advocated by Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) as a sustainable alternative to the use of conventional silos and synthetic chemicals for grains storage in tropical climates. A battery of two units of 250 tonnes IAS installed at the commercial farm of Landmark University Omu-Aran by NSPRI was evaluated for maize storage. Quality parameters such as proximate compositions and microbial loads were determined and their respective results subjected to T-Test statistical analysis. The results of the analysis showed a slight increase in moisture content from 10.57 % to 10.66 % (db) after 6 months of storage. During the storage period, insect infestation was completely suppressed and quality of the grain was maintained, as there was no significant difference at (P≤ 0.05) in the proximate compositions of the initial and final samples. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in bacteria loads and fungi counts of the initial and final samples. Reduction in microbial loads was experienced and the values obtained were within acceptable limits (10 4 Cfu/g) recommended for cereals. The germinability of the maize was maintained at 96 % after 6 months; thus indicating effectiveness of the technology for commercial storage of maize seed.