Feasibility of Bag Storage System for Canola Storage under Prairie Conditions
Research Objective
- To assess bag storage systems under Canadian Prairie conditions by evaluating the changes in canola seed quality during bag storage at different moisture levels
Project Description
Bag storage of canola can be an effective storage technique but the moisture content of the canola being stored is an important factor. This project evaluated three different levels of moisture content: 8.9% (or ‘dry based on grading standards), 10.5% (“tough”), and 14.4% (“damp”) for changes in its grain quality. The study also looked at how the length of time would affect the different moisture contents. To do this, the canola with different moisture levels was stored in three silo bags (67 tonnes/bag). One was unloaded after 20 weeks (middle of winter), one at 28 weeks (the end of winter), and one at 40 weeks (in summer). The results from this project directly impact canola producers as they look for innovative storage solutions for canola with different moisture contents. The key result from the project was that dry canola seeds can be safely stored for 6-8 months in bags, but canola at 12% moisture should be stored only temporarily.