b'Storing Your Spuds SafelyTips on how to use ventilation systems in your potato storage.BY: ASHLEY ROBINSONKEEPING YOUR POTATO crop in the best possible I n a storage ventilation system, air is conditioned through condition while in storage isnt always easy. At a potato storagea blend of fresh and recirculated airoften through some management workshop in Portage la Prairie, Man. onform of a humidifier. Air is first introduced into the bottom Dec. 8, 2021, Todd Forbush, vice president andof the pile and then potatoes condition it as it moves through storage systems engineer with Techmark, Inc.the pile. This introduces fronts or layers of potato gave some tips on storing your spuds. conditions throughout the pile. Forbush cautions to be Base your storage decisions on yourwary of too much recirculation.own conditions, not what is happening A misconception about ventilation is that potatoes with your neighbours. While youare ventilated individually throughout the storage may get similar weather during thepile. Each potato conditions the air based on if growing season, soils and diggingthe potato is cold, warm, or humid. Ventilation conditions arent the same, meaningis only controlling the bottom five to six feet of a everyones storage situation is unique.potato pile in storage at most.Forbush recommends you focus on your storageVentilation effects your bottom-line regarding profits. conditions to make management decisions. Water leaving a potato costs money as it causes weight loss and pressure bruise. Water left on potatoes causes rot, losing you money.Rot can be caused by condensation in potato storage. Condensation occurs when moist air meets a cold surface. Forbush adds condensation can occur within a pile wrecking the quality of the potatoes.If temperatures fluctuate when digging up potatoes it can affect storage. Piling cold potatoes onto warm potatoes creates condensation. Forbush recommends avoiding this by cooling the face of the pile to accept cool potatoes the next day. You should allow for flexibility when running a fan in potato storage. o F ans should run at 100 per cent speed when plenum temperature is below pile temperature, or when warming potatoes at harvest, or reconditioning.oFan speed should be slowed down during the holding period.Potato storage heaters should be placed in the air space above the pile, with circulation fans being used to stir the Theperfect addition to yourair. A heater shouldnt be placed behind a fan in a multipleeet. All aluminum trailer insertsfan system. \x1fwill transform your dry vans into self-unloading bulk trailers. Built lightweight without troughs for maximum product capacity.Call today to see how we can help you maximize your product payload and reduce your transportation cost.48SPUDSMART.COM Winter 2022'