In 1997, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of different tarp materials in covering grain bunkers during harvest. The research compared the performance of a green tarp with a newly introduced “Ice Blue” tarp, utilizing data loggers and a weather station for precise measurements. The findings demonstrated significant temperature variations between the two tarps, with the blue tarp consistently maintaining a cooler surface. On January 22, the temperature difference peaked at 27 degrees, emphasizing the practical benefits, particularly for personnel handling the tarps.

Deeper investigations revealed that beyond a depth of 500mm into the grain pile, the tarps had minimal impact on temperature. Interestingly, an increase in tarp temperature corresponded with higher relative humidity in the top 500mm of the grain. This observation suggested the need for ventilation during periods of elevated temperatures to facilitate moisture escape.

Despite the study being cut short due to grain shipment requirements, the collected data led to a strategic shift towards using the cooler blue tarps. Furthermore, the results hinted at the potential for predicting conditions that lead to crusting in bunkers, providing valuable insights for future grain storage practices.