Fast Determination of the Moisture Content of Chopped Maize using Electromagnetic Fields

It was investigated whether the use of high-frequency electromagnetic fields allows a satisfactory estimation of the dry matter (DM) content of chopped maize (Zea mays). For this purpose, a power of 50 W was applied to maize with a known DM content in a radio frequency (RF) unit. Subsequently, it was determined by regression analysis to which extent the DM content can be explained by the measurands of the RF unit. Under laboratory conditions, the DM content of maize of different origins can be estimated significantly with the aid of this RF unit. A satisfactory estimation without knowing the sample mass and its density does not seem realizable with the method described. In contrast to this, a good fit (R 2 adj.) of the regression equation could be attained if the mass of water was used as a dependent variable. Under these conditions it also appears possible to estimate the moisture content of unknown batches.