Storage Technology

Comprehensive Guide to Safe Moisture Content Thresholds

A comprehensive reference table of Safe Moisture Content (SMC) thresholds for 11 major crop types from maize to fish products.

NSPRI Executive Director Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute

📅 June 22, 2026 ⏱ 1 min read 👁 1 views 💬 0 comments

storage grains cereals moisture content

To prevent mold, grain caking, and rapid degradation, commodities must be dried below their specific Safe Moisture Content (SMC) limits before entering storage.

Crop Typology	Moisture at Harvest (%)	Safe Storage Threshold (%)
Shelled Maize	14.0 – 30.0	≤ 13.0
Paddy Rice	18.0 – 22.0	≤ 13.0
Sorghum / Millet	10.0–25.0 / 18.0–20.0	≤ 13.0
Cowpea	14.0 – 18.0	≤ 13.0
Soybeans	13.0 – 15.0	≤ 7.0
Cocoa Beans	> 60.0	≤ 7.5
Tomato Flakes	60.0 – 70.0	≤ 12.0
Yam Products	40.0 – 70.0	≤ 17.0
Cassava Products	40.0 – 70.0	≤ 14.0
Mango Chips	> 65.0	≤ 15.0
Fish / Meat Products	> 70.0	≤ 15.0

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