Microwave sensors for real-time characterization of agricultural
and food products have become viable solutions with
recent advances in the development of calibration methods
and the availability of inexpensive microwave components.
The examples shown here for grain, seed, and in-shell peanuts
indicate that the levels of accuracy for bulk density and
moisture content determination are acceptable, and the gains
in terms of labor and energy cost savings are significant. Also,
insights in the drying of peanuts were gained through continuous
monitoring of environmental conditions and in-shell
kernel moisture content, which provides the basis for sound
decisions and improved quality of the peanuts. Similar results
are to be expected in other agricultural and food processes involving
the monitoring of several parameters.