Using cereal grain permittivity for sensing moisture content

Abstract

A brief history of cereal grain moisture measurement by sensing the electrical properties of grain is presented. The basic principles are also described for using radio-frequency (RF) and microwave dielectric properties, or permittivity, of grain for sensing moisture through their correlation with moisture content. The development of density-independent functions of the permittivity is explained. The findings of recent research are summarized, which indicate that reliable density-independent moisture content determinations can be realized by measurements on grain at RF and microwave frequencies. Development of these techniques will provide useful instruments for on-line monitoring of moisture content in flowing grain to manage moisture in grain, prevent spoilage in storage and transport, improve processing, and provide information important for yield determinations in precision agriculture applications.