Solution · Agriculture

Dry harvest,
preserve germination capacity

A good harvest is only safe if it stays dry. DÖLCO protects grain, seeds, and bulk goods in storage from moisture damage – with stationary dehumidification systems, Made in Freiburg for over 60 years. Demand-driven, energy-efficient, and monitored around the clock.

Consultation →Expert consultation: +49 7664 50559-0

The problem

Moisture – the most expensive storage pest

Stored harvest is hygroscopic: grain and seeds constantly exchange moisture with the storage air. If the relative humidity rises above the critical range, the stored goods absorb water – triggering a chain of losses.

Grain spoils & molds
Above approximately 14.5% grain moisture (approx. 65% relative storage air humidity), microorganisms and molds become active – leading to spoilage, mycotoxin formation, and loss of value up to total unsalability.
Seeds lose germination capacity
Excessive seed moisture content activates metabolism and swelling – germination capacity drops irreversibly. After damp storage, certified seeds are only suitable as feed or bread grain.
Pests & fungal infestation
Warm, humid storage air is the ideal climate for grain weevils, mites, moths, and storage fungi. Moisture and self-heating reinforce each other – an infestation spreads rapidly through the bulk goods.
Condensate during temperature changes
When warm, humid air hits cold hall/silo walls or the cool upper layer of bulk goods, condensation occurs – creating damp nests and crusts in the stack, often hidden deep within the stock.

The solution

Keeping the storage air dry

The key is not the grain itself, but the air around it: those who reliably keep the relative humidity in the safe range also keep the moisture content of the stored goods stable – demand-driven instead of blanket, monitored instead of blind.

Dry harvest,
Harvest & germination capacity protected
At a constantly low humidity, the stored goods neither release nor absorb moisture – the harvest retains its quality and weight, and seeds retain their full germination capacity.
Mold & pest protection without chemicals
Dry air deprives molds and storage pests of their livelihood – this reduces the need for fumigation and insecticides.
ITR – demand-driven
The control system continuously measures the storage air and dehumidifies only when necessary – this saves energy, prevents over-drying (weight loss), and keeps conditions stable around the clock.
KISS – the harvest in view
KISS documents humidity and temperature seamlessly, alerts you when limits are exceeded, and provides automatic documentation – you see problems before they turn into damage.

Expertise

Equilibrium moisture & spoilage limit

Grain and seeds are hygroscopic – they are in constant moisture exchange with the air and strive for an equilibrium (equilibrium moisture). This equilibrium is maintained at around 14% grain moisture and about 65% relative air humidity. If the storage air humidity rises above this, the grain absorbs water until a new, dangerously high equilibrium is reached. Controlling the air humidity directly controls the moisture content of the stored goods.

Rule of thumb: grain is safely storable up to a maximum of about 14.5% grain moisture (oats tighter, up to approx. 12.5%). Seeds should not exceed 13% water content; for long-term germination capacity, a relative storage air humidity of about 20–50% is ideal. Above these limits, mold and pests become active, and the self-respiration of the damp grain generates additional heat. Dry air keeps the seeds in a stable dormant state.

Classic condensation dehumidification loses performance at low temperatures – which prevail in many grain halls and silos, especially in autumn and winter. Adsorption dryers extract moisture from the air via a desiccant and therefore work reliably even in cool, unheated storage. The design is based on storage volume, wall properties, air exchange, and target air humidity – DÖLCO dimensions individually.

Equilibrium moisture & spoilage limit

Products

The right DÖLCO systems

Stationary dehumidification for the entire storage season – regulated and monitored.

K/T series (stationary)
High-performance systems for continuous operation in grain halls, storage rooms, and bulk warehouses – reliably keep large air volumes in the dry range.
Adsorption dryers
The right choice for cool and unheated storage – such as seed warehouses or winter-cold halls, where condensation units reach their temperature limits.
ITR drying control
Controls demand-driven based on measured storage conditions – reduces consumption, prevents over-drying, and ensures consistently safe conditions.
KISS remote monitoring
Measures humidity and temperature continuously, alerts in real-time to your mobile phone, and documents the history – ideal for storage facilities that are not constantly staffed.
View stationary systems →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

At what air humidity can I safely store grain?
As a guideline, the relative storage air humidity should be permanently at about 65% or below – this corresponds to about 14.5% grain moisture (oats tighter). In this range, the grain does not absorb additional moisture, and mold and pests find no basis for life.
How does a system protect the germination capacity of seeds?
Seeds only retain their germination capacity when dry and dormant. A dehumidification system keeps the storage air so dry (ideally ~20–50% RH) that no swelling or germination process is triggered – germination capacity is preserved throughout the storage period.
Does dehumidification work in cold, unheated halls?
Yes. For cool and unheated storage, we use adsorption technology, which – unlike pure condensation units – dehumidifies reliably and deeply even at low temperatures.
Does a regulated system save energy?
Significantly. The ITR control system dehumidifies only when the measured humidity requires it, instead of running continuously – this lowers electricity consumption, prevents over-drying (weight loss), and keeps conditions stable.
How do I find out if something goes wrong in the warehouse?
Via KISS: It measures humidity and temperature continuously, triggers an immediate alarm on your smartphone if limits are exceeded, and documents the history – so you can intervene before moisture damage occurs.

Consultation

Store harvest safely?

We will design the dehumidification for your grain or seed warehouse – free of charge and without obligation.

📞 +49 7664 / 50559-0✉ info@doelco.de