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Nondestructive In Situ Measurement Method for Kernel Moisture Content in Corn Ear
Han-Lin Zhang1,2, Qin Ma3,4, Li-Feng Fan5,6
1College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China. zhang-hanlin@cau.edu.cn.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 22, 2016
Summary
A new sensor accurately measures corn kernel moisture nondestructively using a high-frequency circuit. This technology aids in breeding corn varieties with lower moisture content, reducing drying costs and energy consumption.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Plant Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Kernel moisture content is critical for corn breeding and cultivation efficiency.
- Low moisture corn reduces post-harvest drying costs, energy consumption, and aids mechanical operations.
- Nondestructive measurement enables selection of corn varieties with rapid dehydration rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a sensor for nondestructive corn kernel moisture measurement.
- To investigate the influence of temperature and conductivity on sensor performance.
- To enable selection of corn breeds with desirable low moisture traits.
Main Methods:
- Developed a sensor with a ring electrode pair and a high-frequency detection circuit.
- Investigated the effect of corn cob moisture, temperature, and conductivity on measurements.
- Selected optimal measurement frequency (100 MHz) to minimize conductivity interference.
- Established quadric regression models relating impedance and output voltage to moisture content.
Main Results:
- The sensor effectively measures corn kernel moisture nondestructively.
- Corn cob moisture showed minimal impact on kernel moisture readings.
- Temperature exhibited a linear relationship with output impedance and voltage.
- Conductivity effects were mitigated by frequency selection.
- High R² values (0.7853 and 0.8496) achieved for corn breeds using the sensor.
Conclusions:
- The developed high-frequency sensor provides accurate, nondestructive corn kernel moisture measurement.
- The sensor is suitable for corn breeding programs aiming for low-moisture varieties.
- This technology can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and post-harvest costs.
