Measuring Moisture Content of Rice

What is moisture content

Moisture content (MC) is the weight of water contained in paddy or rice expressed in percent. MC is usually referred to the wet basis meaning the total weight of the grain including the water (MC wb). For research moisture content referred to the dry matter of the grain is sometimes used (MC db).

Why is measuring moisture content important

Accurate moisture content testing is important in managing and marketing paddy and rice. Inaccurate tests lead to !xtra drying cost and har"esting loss if paddy is har"ested wetter than necessary #poilage if the grain is too wet in storage !xtra drying cost and loss of $uality if paddy is dried too far %ower head rice when milled at wrong MC &eight loss (loss in profit) if grain is sold too dry 'he optimum grain MC depends on the desired storage duration.
MC, % () )*+, +/ +/*+1+Purpose #torage for more than one year -*+. months storage 0ptimum milling yields .*, weeks of storage 2apid deterioration

How to measure moisture content

Oven Method 3se a temperature controlled o"en. Make sure that the temperature is not higher than specified because otherwise chemical changes occur within the grain which can cause additional weight loss #et the o"en at +,4 5C. &eigh three paddy samples and place the samples inside the o"en. Measure the final weight of the samples after +6 hours. Compute for the moisture content wet basis (MC&7) using the e$uation (+) Compute the a"erage MC. Using a moisture tester <uick moisture testers are most suitable for use in the field and for trade. 'o operate a $uick moisture meter follow these basic steps 2ead the operators instruction. Make sure the batteries are good. 'urn on the moisture meter and ensure that the machine is set for paddy or rough rice. Fill the tray=bowl of the moisture tester with paddy samples. 'urn=press the knob until the moisture reading is displayed. 'est at least three samples. Make sure that you turn the knob all the way as described in the manual. If the knob is not turned far enough you will get a wrong reading.

Calculations
MC wb = mi m f mi
mf

100 (+)
100

MC db =
MCwb MCdb mi mf 8 8 8 8

mi m f

(.) 9:; 9:; 9g; 9g;

Moisture content wet basis Moisture content dry basis Initial weight Final weight

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For more information contact

Agricultural !ngineering 3nit I22I> ?A@0 7ox AAAA> Metro Manila> @hilippines 'el. (6,*.) B-4*B644> Fax. (6,*.) B-4*B6)) !mail M.CummertDcgiar.org E.2ickmanDcgiar.org +).+-)6-,.doc

IRRI

INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE