Modelling Water Absorption in Soybean, Cowpea and Peanuts at Three Temperatures Using Peleg's Equation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Peleg's equation was used to model moisture sorption in soybean, cowpea and peanuts at 2°C, 25°C and 40°C. Peleg K 1 varied with temperature while Peleg K 2 was not relatively affected. Peleg K 2 could be used as a water absorption parameter. The lower the K 2 value, the more water was absorbed. Values of K 1 and K 2 were predicted for each of the cultivars of the legumes studied. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in either K 1 or K 2 value for both the dehulled and undehulled peanuts. Peleg equation with the predicted constants gave fairly good fit for water absorption in the legumes.