IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 10 NO. 8 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijaes.v10.no8.2024.pg.55.66

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Effects of Different Variables on Weight Loss of Onions in Microclimate Structure

Y.M. Bukar, L.G. Abubakar, B.G Jahun, Abdurazak Muhammad, Ahmed A.Sarafadeen

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Abstract

An onion bulb storage structure with controlled mechanisms was designed and constructed in Dadin-kowa, Gombe State, Nigeria to reduced post-harvest losses by controlling temperature and relative humidity over a period of 60 days .The structure was made of mild steel of 0.4m for strength and durability, while the inner wall was made of MFB wood 18mm for insulation. Extractor fans and heating bulbs were used for temperature and relative humidity control and also for ventilation, while Arduino Uno and micro controller were used for automated control. Three compartment with different temperature and relative humidity in sealed storage compartments were studied presenting a novel approach to onion storage. Temperature at three levels (25°C, 30°C, and 35°C), three relative humidity levels (60%, 65%, and 70%), and a 60 days’ time frame with an interval of seven days are considered, resulting in a set of 54 treatments . The experiment was carried out as a factorial in a completely randomised design. Key findings revealed temperature and time had significant effects on weight loss. The interaction between temperature and time showed a consistent increase in weight loss, emphasizing the importance of managing these factors for prolonged storage. Internal and external temperature, relative humidity within and outside the structure were monitored and the physiological weight loss were recorded every at seven days interval. Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA to compare the mean difference. Onions stored in compartment 1with 25oC and 65% relative humidity combination had a lowest physiological loss in weight of 32%, while compartment 3 with 35oC and 70% relative humidity combination had 70% of highest loss in weight .This study concluded that the design needs ventilation and roofing material that would aid significantly in the control of both temperature and relative humidity within the storage, hence the structure has been able to re

keywords:

Onions, Relative Humidity, Temperature, Weight Loss, Control

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