Problems of corn storage under Asian tropical conditions

摘要

STEVEN GOH describes tlie problems of corn storage under tropical Asian conditions, which frequently lead to deterioration in the nutritional value of corn. Corrosion of galvanized steel silos is due primarily to moisture ingress and the consequent degradation of the sweated corn fermenting and producing a complex mixture of chemicals amongst which are formic and acetic acids, both of which are extremely aggressive and damaging towards galvanized coatings and steel. Worst and best case scenarios forcontinued exposure to damp corn predict that the total useful service life of the silos can be reduced by half if the corrosion is left unchecked or proper remedial maintenance to the corroded surface is not looked into. Many silos failed because of corrosion and neglect.