DRYING OF GRAINS AND FORAGES - A BRIEF REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES

Recent published literature (1990-1995) on the subject of grain drying and drying of forages is reviewed. Research priorities regarding crop drying tends to be regionalized, responding at times to differences i n socio-economic conditions, at times to the status of energy research and environmental policy. Because grains have recently become much mo re important feedstocks for various food and industrial products, dryi ng research has gradually shifted towards the study of drying-induced changes in microstructure and physico-chemical properties of plant mat erial. Future research will focus on issues related to texture modific ation, innovative techniques for dryer control, improved drying models and technologies that reduce the need for non-renewable sources of en ergy.