A compound desiccant specifically for oats and its application method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of agricultural technology and proposes a composite desiccant specifically for oats and its application method. The oat-specific composite desiccant comprises the following components by weight percentage: 18%–30% alkali metal salt, 8%–15% surfactant, 3%–5% fatty acid methyl ester, 9%–15% anhydrous ethanol, and the balance being water; the alkali metal salt is an alkali metal carbonate and / or potassium acetate; the alkali metal carbonate is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate. This technical solution solves the problems of low drying rate and severe nutrient loss in existing oat desiccants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural technology, specifically to a compound desiccant for oats and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] Oats are an annual grass crop used for both food and forage. Rich in crude protein, fat, and starch, they are readily consumed by herbivorous livestock and are one of the most ideal and economical forage crops for livestock farming. The main processing method for feed oats is haymaking. However, freshly harvested oats have a high moisture content and need to be reduced to a safe moisture content (18%) before baling. The drying rates of leaves and stems differ, with stems often requiring a longer drying time. This accelerates the loss of nutrients from the leaves and makes them highly susceptible to mold growth due to weather conditions. Therefore, rapid drying is crucial for improving oat haymaking technology. In the haymaking process, common drying methods include natural drying, mechanical drying, stalk flattening drying, and chemical drying. During the drying process, the moisture content of oats generally shows a trend of rapid change at first and then slowing down. This is because the water lost in the early stage of drying is mainly free water in the intercellular spaces through the vascular bundle system and intercellular spaces to stomata; while the water lost in the later stage of drying is mainly bound water in the cells. Due to the high resistance of the cell wall and the waxy layer covering the plant surface, the drying rate decreases. Therefore, existing drying methods still have drawbacks such as low drying efficiency and narrow applicability.

[0003] Composite desiccants can increase water conductivity and effectively accelerate moisture loss by disrupting the waxy layer structure of plant epidermis and altering its hydrophobic properties. Compared with other drying methods, applying composite desiccants has the advantages of wide applicability, low labor intensity, and high production efficiency.

[0004] Currently, compound desiccants are widely used in alfalfa hay production, while research on desiccants specifically for oats is still incomplete. Oats contain various nutrients, such as carotenoids, which are photosynthetic pigments in plants that participate in the absorption, transfer, and conversion of light energy, serving as a nutrient in animal feed. During the sun-drying process, the greater the solar radiation and the longer the drying time, the more easily carotenoids undergo photochemical reactions and decompose and are lost, thus affecting the quality and price of the finished hay. Therefore, developing a compound desiccant specifically for oats that has a high drying rate while preventing the loss of nutrients in oats would be beneficial to improving the overall quality of oat hay. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes a composite desiccant specifically for oats and its application method, which solves the problems of low drying rate and serious loss of nutrients in oat desiccants in related technologies.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] This invention proposes a composite desiccant specifically for oats, which is composed of the following components by mass percentage: 18%~30% alkali metal salt, 8%~15% surfactant, 3%~5% fatty acid methyl ester, 9%~15% anhydrous ethanol, and the balance being water.

[0008] The alkali metal salt is an alkali metal carbonate and / or potassium acetate; the alkali metal carbonate is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the alkali metal salt comprises the following components in parts by weight: 10-15 parts sodium bicarbonate, 5-10 parts potassium carbonate, and 3-5 parts potassium acetate.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the surfactant is sodium dodecyl sulfate and / or polyethylene glycol.

[0011] As a further technical solution, when the surfactant is sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, the mass ratio of sodium dodecyl sulfate to polyethylene glycol is 5:10 to 3:5.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the fatty acid methyl ester is methyl palmitate.

[0013] This invention also proposes a method for preparing the oat-specific composite desiccant, comprising the following steps:

[0014] S1. Dissolve an alkali metal salt in water to obtain solution A;

[0015] S2. Mix the surfactant and water to obtain solution B;

[0016] S3. Mix fatty acid methyl ester with anhydrous ethanol to obtain solution C;

[0017] S4. Mix the solutions A, B, and C to obtain a composite desiccant.

[0018] This invention also proposes the application of the composite desiccant described above or the composite desiccant prepared by the method described above in oat drying, including the following steps:

[0019] Before harvesting oats, a diluted compound desiccant is sprayed onto the oat leaves and stems. After harvesting and drying, the oats are obtained.

[0020] As a further technical solution, the cutting is carried out 18-24 hours after the spraying.

[0021] As a further technical solution, the dilution ratio of the diluted composite desiccant is 10 to 20 times, and the dosage is 30 to 60 L / mu.

[0022] As a further technical solution, the oats are first laid flat to dry, and when the moisture content of the oats is less than 50wt%, the oats are then gathered into small piles for further drying.

[0023] The working principle and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0024] 1. In this invention, the composite desiccant comprises alkali metal salts, surfactants, and fatty acid methyl esters. These three components work synergistically; the surfactants and fatty acid methyl esters enhance the effect of the alkali metal salts, thereby disrupting the waxy layer structure of the plant epidermis, increasing its water-conducting properties, and effectively accelerating moisture loss. Simultaneously, it reduces the consumption of carotenoids in hay, significantly improves the drying rate of oats, reduces the moisture content of oats, and minimizes the loss of nutrients from oats.

[0025] 2. In this invention, when the alkali metal salt contains sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and potassium acetate simultaneously, the drying rate of oats is further improved, the moisture content of oats is reduced, and the loss of nutrients in oats is reduced.

[0026] 3. In this invention, when the surfactant is a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, the drying rate of oats can be further improved.

[0027] 4. In this invention, the method of spraying oats on the leaves and stems is adopted. After spraying, the oats are harvested, dried, and piled into small heaps when the moisture content of the oats is below 50%. The operation is safe and simple, which can not only reduce potential risks such as rain, but also reduce the loss of nutrients in oats, ensure low production costs, and achieve significant economic benefits. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the following examples and comparative examples, sodium bicarbonate has a purity ≥99.8%; potassium carbonate has a purity ≥99.0%; sodium dodecyl sulfate has a purity ≥99.7%; and methyl palmitate has a purity ≥97.0%.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] The oat-specific compound desiccant is composed of the following components by weight percentage: sodium bicarbonate 10%, potassium carbonate 5%, potassium acetate 3%, sodium dodecyl sulfate 3%, polyethylene glycol 5%, methyl palmitate 3%, anhydrous ethanol 9%, and the balance being water.

[0032] The preparation method of a compound desiccant specifically for oats includes the following steps:

[0033] S1. Dissolve sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate in water to obtain solution A;

[0034] S2. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, and water are mixed to obtain solution B;

[0035] S3. Mix methyl palmitate with anhydrous ethanol to obtain solution C;

[0036] S4. Mix solutions A, B, and C to obtain a composite desiccant.

[0037] The method for using composite desiccants includes the following steps:

[0038] Before harvesting oats, spray a 10-fold diluted compound desiccant onto the oat leaves and stems at a rate of 30L / acre. Harvest the oats 18 hours later and first lay them out to dry. Once the moisture content of the oats is below 50%, gather them into small piles and continue drying to obtain dried oats.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] The oat-specific compound desiccant is composed of the following components by weight percentage: sodium bicarbonate 12%, potassium carbonate 8%, potassium acetate 4%, sodium dodecyl sulfate 4%, polyethylene glycol 8%, methyl palmitate 4%, anhydrous ethanol 12%, and the balance being water.

[0041] The preparation method of a compound desiccant specifically for oats includes the following steps:

[0042] S1. Dissolve sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate in water to obtain solution A;

[0043] S2. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, and water are mixed to obtain solution B;

[0044] S3. Mix methyl palmitate with anhydrous ethanol to obtain solution C;

[0045] S4. Mix solutions A, B, and C to obtain a composite desiccant.

[0046] The method for using composite desiccants includes the following steps:

[0047] Before harvesting oats, spray a 10-fold diluted compound desiccant onto the oat leaves and stems at a rate of 30L / acre. Harvest the oats 24 hours later and first lay them out to dry. Once the moisture content of the oats is below 50%, gather them into small piles and continue drying to obtain dried oats.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] The oat-specific compound desiccant is composed of the following components by weight percentage: sodium bicarbonate 15%, potassium carbonate 10%, potassium acetate 5%, sodium dodecyl sulfate 5%, polyethylene glycol 10%, methyl palmitate 5%, anhydrous ethanol 15%, and the balance being water.

[0050] The preparation method of a compound desiccant specifically for oats includes the following steps:

[0051] S1. Dissolve sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate in water to obtain solution A;

[0052] S2. Sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, and water are mixed to obtain solution B;

[0053] S3. Mix methyl palmitate with anhydrous ethanol to obtain solution C;

[0054] S4. Mix solutions A, B, and C to obtain a composite desiccant.

[0055] The method for using composite desiccants includes the following steps:

[0056] Before harvesting oats, spray a compound desiccant diluted 20 times onto the oat leaves and stems at a rate of 60L / acre. Harvest the oats 24 hours later and first lay them out to dry. Once the moisture content of the oats is below 50%, gather them into small piles and continue drying to obtain dried oats.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] The only difference between this embodiment and Example 2 is that it is composed of the following components by mass percentage: sodium bicarbonate 14.4%, potassium carbonate 9.6%, sodium dodecyl sulfate 4%, polyethylene glycol 8%, methyl palmitate 4%, anhydrous ethanol 12%, and the balance being water.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] The only difference between this embodiment and Example 2 is that it is composed of the following components by mass percentage: 24% potassium acetate, 4% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 8% polyethylene glycol, 4% methyl palmitate, 12% anhydrous ethanol, and the balance being water.

[0061] Example 6

[0062] The only difference between this embodiment and Example 2 is that it is composed of the following components by mass percentage: sodium bicarbonate 12%, potassium carbonate 8%, potassium acetate 4%, sodium dodecyl sulfate 12%, methyl palmitate 4%, anhydrous ethanol 12%, and the balance being water.

[0063] Example 7

[0064] The only difference between this embodiment and Example 2 is that it is composed of the following components by mass percentage: sodium bicarbonate 12%, potassium carbonate 8%, potassium acetate 4%, polyethylene glycol 12%, methyl palmitate 4%, anhydrous ethanol 12%, and the balance being water.

[0065] Example 8

[0066] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies only in the application of the composite desiccant, including the following steps:

[0067] Before harvesting oats, spray a 10-fold diluted compound desiccant onto the oat leaves and stems at a rate of 30L / acre. Harvest the oats 24 hours later and lay them out to dry to obtain dried oats.

[0068] Comparative Example 1

[0069] The only difference between this comparative example and Example 2 is the oat-specific compound desiccant, which consists of the following components by mass percentage: sodium bicarbonate 12%, potassium carbonate 8%, potassium acetate 4%, and the remainder is water.

[0070] The preparation method of a compound desiccant specifically for oats includes the following steps:

[0071] Sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate are dissolved in water to obtain a composite desiccant.

[0072] Comparative Example 2

[0073] The only difference between this comparative example and Example 2 is the oat-specific composite desiccant, which consists of the following components by mass percentage: sodium dodecyl sulfate 4%, polyethylene glycol 8%, methyl palmitate 4%, anhydrous ethanol 12%, and the balance being water.

[0074] field trials

[0075] A field trial was conducted in Nandagang area of ​​Cangzhou City, Hebei Province in 2023, selecting uniformly growing oats ready for harvest.

[0076] Experimental area: 24 hours before harvesting, on a clear and calm day with little wind, the compound desiccant prepared in Examples 1-7 and Comparative Examples 1-2 was diluted 10 times and sprayed evenly on the oat leaves and stems using a drone at a dosage of 30L per acre.

[0077] Control area: sprayed with an equal amount of water.

[0078] After spraying with a compound desiccant for 24 hours, the oats were harvested and dried in an open area at a temperature of 24-26℃, a wind speed of 1-2 km / h, and a humidity of 20%-30%. When the moisture content was below 50%, the oats were piled up and dried further. Samples were taken at 0h, 5h, 24h, 29h, and 48h of drying. The moisture content of each sample was determined using a drying method, and the carotenoid content in the oats was determined using a colorimetric method. The test results are shown in Tables 1-3.

[0079] Table 1. Moisture content of oats within 48 hours after harvesting

[0080]

[0081] By comparing the data of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Example 2 had a lower moisture content when sprayed on oats after 48 hours compared with the data of Comparative Examples 1-2. Applying alkali metal salts or surfactants alone could not achieve the drying effect, indicating that the alkali metal salts, surfactants and fatty acid methyl esters in the desiccant work together, and the surfactants and fatty acid methyl esters enhance the effect of alkali metal salts, which significantly reduces the moisture content of oats.

[0082] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 4-5, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 4-5 had a higher moisture content in oats after 48 hours of application compared to Example 2. The composite desiccant prepared in Example 4 had a lower moisture content in oats after 48 hours of application compared to Example 5. This indicates that when the alkali metal salt contains sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate simultaneously, it can further reduce the moisture content in oats. Moreover, the main components in the alkali metal salt that have a drying effect are sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate.

[0083] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 6-7, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 6-7 had a higher moisture content when sprayed on oats after 48 hours compared to Example 2. This indicates that when the surfactant is a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, the moisture content of oats can be further reduced.

[0084] By comparing the data from Example 2 and Example 8, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Example 8 had a higher moisture content after 48 hours of spraying on oats compared to Example 2. This indicates that when drying oats, piling them into small heaps when the moisture content is below 50% is a safe and simple operation that can not only reduce potential risks such as rain damage, but also further reduce the moisture content of oats by properly turning them over during operation.

[0085] Table 2. Drying rate of oats at different time points after harvesting

[0086]

[0087] By comparing the data from Examples 1-8 and Comparative Examples 1-2, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in this invention has a fast drying rate and obvious drying effect in the early stage of oat drying.

[0088] By comparing the data of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Example 2 had a higher drying rate when sprayed on oats within 0-5 hours compared with the data of Comparative Examples 1-2. This indicates that the alkali metal salt, surfactant and fatty acid methyl ester in the desiccant work together to significantly improve the drying rate of oats.

[0089] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 4-5, it was found that the drying rate of oats sprayed with the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 4-5 was lower within 0-5 hours compared with Example 2. This indicates that when the alkali metal salt contains sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and potassium acetate at the same time, the drying rate of oats can be further improved.

[0090] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 6-7, it was found that the drying rate of oats sprayed with the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 6-7 was lower within 0-5 hours compared with Example 2. This indicates that when the surfactant is a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, the drying rate of oats can be further improved.

[0091] By comparing the data from Example 2 and Example 8, it was found that the drying rate of oats sprayed with the composite desiccant prepared in Example 8 was lower within 0-5 hours compared with Example 2. This indicates that by gathering the oats into small piles when the drying rate is below 50% during the drying process, the drying rate of the oats can be further improved.

[0092] Table 3. Changes in carotenoid content (mg / g) during oat drying.

[0093]

[0094] By comparing the data of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1-2, it was found that the composite desiccant prepared in Example 2 had a higher content of carotenoids in oats after 48 hours of application. This indicates that the alkali metal salt, surfactant, and fatty acid methyl ester in the desiccant work together to reduce the loss of nutrients in oats.

[0095] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 4-5, it was found that, compared with Example 2, the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 4-5 had a lower content of carotenoids in oats after being sprayed for 48 hours. This indicates that when the alkali metal salt contains sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium acetate simultaneously, it can further reduce the loss of nutrients in oats.

[0096] By comparing the data from Examples 2 and 6-7, it was found that, compared with Example 2, the composite desiccant prepared in Examples 6-7 had a lower content of carotenoids in oats after 48 hours of application. This indicates that when the surfactant is a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, the loss of nutrients in oats can be further reduced.

[0097] By comparing the data from Example 2 and Example 8, it was found that, compared with Example 2, the composite desiccant prepared in Example 8 had a lower content of carotenoids in oats after 48 hours of spraying. This indicates that when drying oats, piling them into small heaps when the drying rate is below 50% can reduce the loss of nutrients in oats.

[0098] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composite desiccant specific to oats, characterized by, Composed of the following components in percentage by mass: alkali metal salt 18-30%, surfactant 8-15%, fatty acid methyl ester 3-5%, anhydrous ethanol 9-15%, and the balance being water; The alkali metal salt is alkali metal carbonate and potassium acetate; the alkali metal carbonate is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate; The components of the alkali metal salt are specifically: 12-15 parts of sodium bicarbonate, 8-10 parts of potassium carbonate, and 4-5 parts of potassium acetate; The surfactant is sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyethylene glycol, and the mass ratio of sodium dodecyl sulfate to polyethylene glycol is 5:10-3:5; The fatty acid methyl ester is methyl palmitate.

2. A process for the preparation of a composite desiccant specific to oats as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: S1. Dissolving the alkali metal salt in water to obtain solution A; S2. Mixing the surfactant and water to obtain solution B; S3. Mixing the fatty acid methyl ester and anhydrous ethanol to obtain solution C; S4. Mixing the solution A, the solution B, and the solution C to obtain the composite desiccant.

3. Use of the composite desiccant according to claim 1 or the composite desiccant prepared by the preparation method of claim 2 in drying of oat, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Before oat mowing, the diluted composite desiccant is sprayed on the oat leaves and stems, mowing is performed, and drying is performed, thereby obtaining dried oat.

4. Use of a composite desiccant according to claim 3, characterized in that The mowing is performed 18-24 hours after the spraying.

5. Use of a composite desiccant according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diluted composite desiccant is diluted by 10-20 times, and the amount used is 30-60 L / acre.

6. Use of a composite desiccant according to claim 3, characterized in that, When drying, flat drying is performed first, and when the water content of the oat is less than 50 wt%, the oat is gathered into small piles for drying.

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