Moisture Determination in Single Kernels of Corn A Nondestructive Method

Abstract

ABSTRACT Amethod for estimating the moisture content of individual kernels of corn by a nondestructive method is described. Capacitance and dissipation factor of parallel plate conductors with a single corn kernel between them were measured at frequencies of 1.0 and 4.5 MHz with an impedance analyzer. The weight and projected area of the single kernel were also measured by appropriate methods. A mathematical expression related to the dielectric constant of the kernel was derived, and an empirical equation was developed for predicting the moisture content of the kernel. The predicted moisture contents were compared with the moisture values obtained by a standard air-oven method. The equation predicted moisture contents within 1 % moisture content of the air-oven values for 89% of the kernels tested from corn lots with moisture contents between 9.5% and 26%, wet basis..