Using a grain moisture meter – added value and benefits
The moisture content of grain is a crucial factor in its harvesting, drying and storage. Based on moisture content, the farmer decides whether the grain is ready for harvest and what treatment is needed to prepare the grain for long or short-term storage or for transport. A grain moisture meter is the perfect tool for taking accurate and reliable readings of the moisture content of your crops. Kramp has the right grain moisture meter for you.
Helpful information: grain is a collective term; it includes all kinds of agricultural crops. In Europe, the most common crops are wheat, rye, barley, oats and maize, but rice and spelt are not unusual either. The soil is decisive in the chosen type of crop. Our grain moisture meter allows you to measure the moisture content of all these grains. All you need is one meter.
What does moisture content tell you?
Grain is about ripe when the seed is hard and you can’t press a fingernail into it. Depending on the type of grain, the harvest period is usually between early June and late August. To make sure that the grain is effectively ready to be harvested, you need to measure its moisture content. Keep in mind that grain should not be too moist; this will make threshing more difficult and will require subsequent drying. You don’t want the grain to have too low a moisture content either as that makes it a lot more susceptible to breakage. Less moisture also means lower proceeds. The truth is in the numbers, as the saying goes.
Pre-harvest measuring
The best time to take accurate grain moisture measurements is mid-morning, after the dew has dried off. We recommend taking grain samples at three or four different locations in a field. Take a sample from the centre of the plot you plan to harvest, but don’t forget to include the edges. Next, make sure to mix your grain sample well. Follow the instructions for the Kramp grain moisture meter and the device will calculate the average moisture content of the plot fully automatically.
Tip: wear gloves while taking samples. Dirt, dust and sweat may compromise the readings.
Measuring before storage or transport
Many types of grains are earmarked for long-term storage or long-distance transport. It’s important to dry the grain properly to prepare it for storage or transport. This will prevent breakage, decay and mould. If the moisture levels in the grain are too high, the grain will start to rot. This can easily be prevented with a moisture meter. By measuring the moisture content, you know exactly how to prepare the grain so that you can take action to prevent it from spoiling.
What readings does a grain moisture meter show?
A grain moisture meter tells you about the moisture content of grain. Most moisture meters are capable of measuring multiple types of grain. The Kramp MM4510 moisture meter can measure the moisture content of more than 30 different types of grain. The meter has a mill for the grain; after milling, the readings are displayed on the digital LCD screen. The meter automatically calculates the average of the measurements, giving you insight into the moisture content of the grain. The meter memorises the average even if you switch it off. The grain moisture meter comes with a user guide that provides clear instructions on how to use the device.
| Grain type | Moisture content |
| Wheat | 11.0 - 40.0% |
| Mustard | 06.0 - 28.0% |
| Durum wheat | 11.0 - 40.0% |
| Soybean | 06.4 - 35.0% |
| Barley | 10.8 - 44.8% |
| White rice | 10.6 - 35.0% |
| Winter barley | 10.8 - 44.8% |
| Paddy rice | 10.4 - 39.0% |
| Oats | 10.6 - 40.0% |
| Millet | 10.2 - 36.0% |
| Rye | 11.6 - 46.0% |
| Spelt | 10.8 - 49.4% |
| Buckwheat | 11.0 - 43.0% |
| Caraway | 02.0 - 40.0% |
| Triticale | 11.2 - 44.0% |
| Red clover | 10.2 - 33.0% |
| Maize | 10.6 - 36.7% |
| White clover | 08.4 - 43.0% |
| Sunflower | 05.6 - 24.0% |
| Rye grass | 09.4 - 42.6% |
| Rapeseed | 05.4 - 29.0% |
| Meadow grass | 10.0 - 35.0% |
| Rapeseed | 05.6 - 32.4% |
| Meadow fescue | 09.6 - 42.6% |
| Beans | 11.4 - 38.6% |
| Red fescue | 11.6 - 35.0% |
| Broad bean | 11.4 - 38.6% |
| Timothy-grass | 09.4 - 38.0% |
| Peas | 11.4 - 35.6% |
| Wheat flour | 11.2 - 50.0% |
| Linseed | 05.4 - 34.4% |
| Camelina | 05.8 - 36.6% |
Measuring range limits are stated at 20 °C
Remember to clean the grain moisture meter before and after use. A cleaning brush is provided with the meter. Please clean the meter very carefully as the measurement sensors are extremely sensitive.
Kramp Grain Moisture Meter MM4510
Please do not hesitate to reach out to a Kramp product specialist to find out more about our grain moisture meters. Alternatively, you can contact a Kramp dealer near you or send us an email at knowledgecenter@kramp.com.
