Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1438839
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 81 FOR OPTIMAL POTATO GROWTH, TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Our superior potato portfolio features reliable, high-quality products with active ingredients proven to help deliver peace of mind and consistent protection against yield-robbing pests and weeds. To learn more, visit www.RotamNorthAmerica.com/portfolio/potato or contact us at (866) 927-6826 Special Terms and Conditions This reference guide is not intended as a substitute for the product label for the product(s) referenced herein. Always read and follow label directions and precautions for use. © Copyright 2022 Rotam North America, Inc. All rights reserved. 4096-26RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 4096-26RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 11/30/21 2:28 PM 11/30/21 2:28 PM ducts. Finally, review the history logs in the control panel. The plenum temperature history log will show the level of variation in air temperature going through the produce. Humidity Control Make sure the relative humidity of the delivered air is maintained within a couple percent points of desired levels. This is more difficult at high relative humidity (greater that 90%)—not because high humidity is difficult to maintain, but because RH sensors are not as reliable at the high end. Still, storage operators need to verify plenum humidity with a handheld sensor in the plenum (again while the system is running). As before, consult the control panel history log for signs of significant variation. Post-harvest Crop Protection Applications/Purgeability The ventilation system must have the ability to remove the gases generated from produce respiration. It must also be able to apply and circulate post-harvest crop protection applications effectively. In potato storages especially, I carry a CO 2 sensor since many are not equipped. It's important to verify that levels fall below the established upper limits in the plenum and over the pile. Gases will settle when the fans are off, so this test is best performed while the system is running. History logs should be reviewed for any evidence of large deviations from acceptable conditions. Automated Control Ensure the system can automatically make adjustments in order to maintain the desired climate, as well as communicate remotely with operators and be controlled remotely. Automated control isn't a measurement but can be assessed by asking a few simple questions: • Does the history log show significant variations in the above key metrics? • As the system changes modes and adjusts to changing outside weather conditions, does the internal climate struggle to remain constant? • Is the control panel easy to use? • How responsive is the app or desktop software? • Am I getting enough information remotely for it to be helpful? In essence, whether it's an old storage or a shiny new one, performing routine inspections to "measure what matters" is key to maximizing the money spent on storage costs. Most of the time, even poorly functioning storages can be improved with a few strategic component upgrades or modifications. It really is all about controlled climate and design. Recent technological advances in storage design are exciting. Storage professionals like the team at Agri-Stor work hard to combine properly engineered designs, certified ventilation components, and scientifically supported best practices, meeting the demands of produce storage in a wide variety of climates. PG