Nitrogen Gas: the Future of Grain Protection

Around the world, nitrogen gas is quickly replacing pesticides as the superior choice for grain protection. Producing high-quality grains free from pests and fungi is a key issue for grain producers. Currently, phosphine is a widely used and accepted fumigant for grain storage. However, there are increasing concerns about the use of this chemical and the resistance of some insects to chemical fumigants. Moving forward to 2022, nitrogen gas is now a viable and effective alternative. 

Nitrogen gas has many advantages over traditional fumigants:

1. It’s a chemical-free option. As a naturally occurring inert gas, nitrogen provides a fire protection blanket that is non-toxic.
2. Nitrogen has significantly shorter transition times for shipment. It is able to achieve the asphyxiation of pests in less time than phosphine. This leads to a significant reduction in the fumigation period and release time for grain handlers.
3. It’s a cheaper alternative. The cost of nitrogen generation is significantly lower than the cost of current pesticides. As pests become more resistant to pesticides, the concentration of the pesticides must increase and thus increase the cost.
4. It’s a safer option. By using an onsite nitrogen gas generation system, you remove the risks involved in handling pesticide containers, and connecting and disconnecting to injection systems. 
5. It preserves the integrity of the grain better i.e.; quality and colour are maintained. As well as preventing the oxidation of oil seeds by removing oxygen from the storage atmosphere. 

World markets are reducing the acceptable level of phosphine per kg of grain. Inevitably, in the face of increasing resistance, the phosphine concentrations required for pest fumigation will reach a level that will exceed the allowable limits. Nitrogen provides a low-cost, safe option that “future-proofs” grain protection where it is not necessary to change the fumigant with new varieties of pests. 

Commercially, nitrogen is being introduced for grain protection by grain handlers in Australia. Nitrogen gas is the future of grain protection, providing a superior alternative to existing fumigants that is environmentally friendly and both cost and time effective. 

Contact Gas Generation Australia to find out more about onsite nitrogen generators.

Gas Generation Australia offers innovative onsite gas generation solutions to the Australian agricultural industry. From packaged modular systems to custom-designed solutions, Gas Generation Australia provides an onsite nitrogen supply to help protect and store your produce safely and efficiently. Our wide range of PSA or membrane generators deliver optimal purity and reliable production volume.