Potato storage quality as influenced by rate of ventilation

Insulated bins containing approximately 1800 kg (2 ton) were ventilated at airflow rates of 0, 2.3, 4.7, 9.4, 18.7, 37.5, and 74.9 m3/h/T(0, 1.25, 2.5, 10, 20, and 40 cfm/t). Replicated trials over a three year period showed that ventilating with an airflow rate of 18.7 m3/h/T (10 cfm/t) resulted in the lowest combined storage loss due to weight, sprouts, and rot. The time required to grade the tubers from the bins ventilated with airflow rates greater than 9.4 m3/h/T (5 cfm/t) was significantly less than that from those receiving lower airflow rates. There was no significant difference in tuber temperature at the top of the bins having an airflow rate of 9.4 m3/h/T (5 cfm/t) or more.