The three experimental piles were erected at four
levels in pyramid form and were covered with
corrugated roofing tiles to protect the stored
bagasse from the rain. Three thermometers were
installed in the interior of each pile at different
heights over the ground level in order to record the
bagasse temperature behavior during storage time.
In a period of time from April to September, the
bales were randomly sampled and their final weight
(Pf) was determined. Then, the bales were
disintegrated as follows: in a clean area the
sampled bagasse was placed upon a polyethylene
mat sectioning it at half its volume and, afterwards,
it was manually disintegrated in a careful and rapid
way to decrease the possible humidity variations.
Five samples of bagasse were taken from each
pile, properly homogenized; then, they were packed
in a polyethylene bag which was sealed and
identified afterwards with a code.