Grain Storage Monitoring: Focus on Temperature

As global food demand rises due to population growth and shifting diets, it's clear that producing more grain is only part of the solution. The other half lies in protecting what we already grow. According to the International Congress Save Food, one-third of global agricultural production is lost each year, with cereals accounting for 57% of total calorie losses. 

Grain storage monitoring not only prevents waste but can also boost profit. AHDB reports that storing grain until November provides a €4.68/tonne premium, which can increase to €12.87/tonne by May. These incentives make high-quality storage practices essential. 

This blog post focuses on temperature monitoring—the most critical factor in maintaining grain quality and preventing loss. Temperature is the earliest and easily controllable factor in grain storages as compared to other factors. It serves not only as an indicator of current problems but also as a predictor of future issues. 

The role of temperature monitoring in mould and pest control

Among environmental conditions, temperature is the key driver of pest activity and fungal growth. It also influences moisture behavior. Spoilage in stored grain is primarily caused by mites, insects, and fungi. 

How temperature affects mould and pest growth in grain storages

Insects and mites are cold-blooded. Their metabolism, reproduction, and feeding rates accelerate in warm conditions and slow dramatically as temperatures fall—often becoming fatal below 10°C. Similarly, moulds flourish at moderate to warm temperatures (20–30°C), but cold slows their enzymatic processes and growth. 

Grain Storage Conditions and Risk Levels
Condition Risk Level
Warm + Humid High (mold, insects)
Warm + Dry Moderate (some insects)
Cool + Humid Mold risk (fewer insects)
Cool + Dry Low (ideal for storage)

Detecting insects and mites in grain storages through temperature hotspots

Grain weevils develop entirely inside the grain kernel, making them hard to detect visually. As they metabolize and reproduce, they generate heat. In dense grain stacks, this leads to hotspots—localized areas of warmth and humidity that promote further insect and mould growth. 

Without temperature monitoring, these problems remain hidden until grain damage becomes visible and irreversible. 

 

Mite Infestation and Temperature Sensitivity

Mites such as Acarus, Tyrophagus, and Lepidoglyphus are small but damaging pests that eat grain germ or hollow out oilseeds. Large populations can taint the grain and even cause allergic reactions in humans. 

They require high humidity to thrive and do not reproduce below 65% relative humidity. Lowering surface moisture and temperature significantly reduces their population. Regular temperature checks and early detection are key for prevention. 

How continuous temperature monitoring protect stored grain

Temperature is the earliest and most reliable indicator of developing issues in stored grain. When monitored regularly, it helps prevent mildew, pest outbreaks, and moisture condensation—all of which degrade grain quality. 

 

Early detection of biological activity 

 Grain spoilage often starts silently. Insects, mites, and mold generate heat as they metabolize. A rise in temperature is usually the first sign of their presence—even before visual or odor cues appear.

 

Hot spot detection

Continuous temperature monitoring Identifies problem zones before damage occurs. In dense grain masses, heat from insect activity or fermentation can become trapped, creating localized hotspots. These hotspots accelerate spoilage, attract more pests, and can even lead to self-heating and fire if not identified in time. 

 

Moisture distribution insights 

Temperature fluctuations influence moisture migration within the grain stack. Warm air moves upward, carrying moisture that can condense in cooler layers, creating zones ideal for mold. Monitoring temperature helps you prevent this hidden threat. 

 

Loss prevention and quality assurance 

 Early action can avoid rejection of entire batches. Helps maintain consistent grain quality and market value. Grain exposed to high temperatures loses viability, nutritional value, and marketability. Continuous monitoring enables proactive interventions—ventilation, cooling, or aeration—before quality deteriorates. 

 

Compliance, traceability, and risk management

 Many insurance policies, food safety regulations, and quality certifications require data on storage conditions. Automated temperature monitoring systems provide the evidence needed for audits and claims, helping reduce legal or financial risks.  

In all these areas, temperature monitoring provides the early warning needed to protect inventory and profitability. 


Quanturi offers a smart grain storage monitoring system with automated fan control

Considering the needs of storage owners and aiming to provide a reliable solution for food security, Quanturi offers a simple, safe, and reliable grain monitoring solution with continuous temperature tracking. Its robust sensor probes—measuring up to 4 meters—detect temperature deep within the grain mass and ambient temperature, helping you spot risks early and maintain full control over storage conditions. 

In addition to temperature monitoring, the Quanturi system optimizes energy use through automated ventilation control. By adjusting fan operation based on continuous temperature data, facilities can reduce energy consumption. Moreover, the system lowers labour costs by eliminating the need for manual monitoring. 

By continuously tracking grain temperature, you are investing in quality, traceability, and long-term storage efficiency. 

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References:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/grain-storage-guide

https://www.save-food.org/en/Press/Press_Releases/Final_Report_SAVE_FOOD_Congress

Quanturi Grain Monitoring System 

  • Detects temperature rise early

  • Sends temperature alerts

  • Eliminates manual temperature checks

  • Automated ventilation control

  • Easy setup, plug and play system 

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