Hidden self-heating
A process of temperature rise inside a grain or seed bulk that occurs without noticeable heating of the upper layers or the external surface of the material.
Также говорят: internal self-heating, latent heating of grain, thermal hotspot
Hidden self-heating is the initial stage of grain spoilage, where moisture and heat accumulate in the deep layers. Because the surface remains cool, it is invisible to the eye, frequently misleading farm managers.
Effective management requires regular thermometric monitoring of deep bulk layers. Failure to monitor can lead to rapid microbial proliferation, grain caking, and permanent loss of seed viability or quality.
A common error is checking only the surface layer. Once a hotspot is detected, active aeration or turning the grain mass is essential to dissipate heat and reduce moisture content effectively.