Corncob dry matter loss in storage as affected by temperature and moisture content
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
Historical Names
- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
Agricultural residues, like corn cobs, are one of the first promising cellulosic materials to be fermented and thermochemically processed into fuel in the emerging bio-based economy. Few studies have been conducted on the deterioration of cellulosic feedstock in storage. This study measured the loss of corn cob dry matter, as measured by carbon dioxide evolution, under various storage conditions (temperature and moisture content) for 21 days. High moisture content and temperature conditions (35% w.b. and 30yC) resulted in almost 3 % dry matter loss in 21days, as opposed to negligible losses at drier conditions (15% w.b.). There was a significant interaction between the effects of moisture content and temperature on dry matter loss. These data provide a first approach on understanding the material loss due to microbial activity, thus helping to identify storage strategies to maximize the conservation of cellulosic feedstock.