|
Abstract
|
Article Information:
Evaluation of Ventilated Underground Pit Structures for Yam (Dioscorea Spp) Storage
T.U. Nwakonobi, S.E. Obetta and H. Iorwtsav
Corresponding Author: T.U. Nwakonobi
Submitted: 2011 July, 02
Accepted: 2011 September, 05
Published: 2012 March, 01 |
Abstract:
|
Underground pit structures are commonly employed by farmers for on farm storage of yam
(Dioscorea spp) in Nigeria and other parts of developing world. This traditional storage structure is used
without provision for adequate air exchange or ventilation. This study investigated the performance of yams
stored in underground pit structures provided with air vents. Three experimental pits of similar dimensions were
constructed with Pit 1 installed with one PVC vent; Pit 2 had two PVC vents and Pit 3 without vent which
served as control. 20 Kg weight of yams was loaded in each pit measuring 1.0 m in diameter and 0.65 m in
depth. The results of the study show that a lowest temperature range of 30-38ºC was maintained in pit 1
(improved) temperature range of 34-40ºC in Pit 2 (semi-improved) while temperature in pit 3 range from 36-
42ºC. The relative humidity obtained were 84, 76 and 70% in pit 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The sprouting indexes
obtained within 8 weeks storage period were 46.2, 53.8 and 76.9 for pit 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The cumulative
weight loss obtained in pit 1, 2 and 3 were 44.8, 69.5 and 79.2%, respectively for the 8 weeks storage period.
Increased in storage period for yams is possible with adequate ventilation in underground pit structure.
Key words: Air-vent, Nigeria, pit air - thermal properties, sprouting index, underground structure, yam storage,
|
|
Abstract
|
PDF
|
HTML |
|
Cite this Reference:
T.U. Nwakonobi, S.E. Obetta and H. Iorwtsav, . Evaluation of Ventilated Underground Pit Structures for Yam (Dioscorea Spp) Storage. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, (05): 393-397.
|
|
|
|
 |
ISSN (Online): 2040-7467
ISSN (Print): 2040-7459 |
 |
| Information |
|
|
|
|
| Sales & Services |
|
|
|
|
