Munters dehumidifiers ensure optimal storage conditions for Emorsgate Seeds

Why stored seeds need dehumidification

Dehumidification is crucial for increasing seed longevity and preventing germination in storage. While much research has been done on seed storage longevity in areas such as food, less attention has been given to wildflower seeds. By conducting their own research, Emorsgate Seeds found that maintaining seeds at around 5°C and 40-50% RH can extend their lifespan to 5-10 years. Prior to installation of dehumidifiers, seeds were stored in a repurposed meat store, which struggled with moisture control, particularly on warm days. When doors were opened, warm, moist air would enter the store, condense on the seed bags and cause moisture to seep into the bags, damaging the seeds. The storage conditions were unreliable, fluctuating significantly, and often failing to reach the desired humidity levels due to the limitations of dehumidifying with cooling.

The Munters solution

During a discussion within Emorsgate, dehumidification was suggested as a solution. An employee was aware of Munters through mutual connections, leading to a site visit from a Munters sales engineer. They initially started with one Munters MCS300 desiccant dehumidifier for their cold room at their old site in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Compact, efficient and easy to transport, it consistently maintains conditions to 45-50% RH, within a +/- 5% RH tolerance, all year round. After relocating to a larger farm within the county, Munters surveyed the new site to ensure that the system remained the optimal choice, taking into consideration room sizes, frequency of door openings, number of people using the rooms etc. Emorsgate installed a further four MCS300 dehumidifiers to maintain conditions within their remaining cold stores. Using the same dehumidifier in each room offers continuity of use, making operation, maintenance and servicing more efficient. A satisfied customer Dan Campbell, Project Manager, stated, “The first room works the hardest as it is used the most frequently. If we had one big store, that would affect the mixtures. By having different cold stores based on collections, mixtures and bulk storage, we aid seed flow, reduce cleaning and maximize efficiency.” This ensures the seeds are protected whether needed for frequent use, or in long term storage for collections. “Munters provides a good, professional service” says Dan. “When we came here, the building was an empty shell. Working with Munters, we have been able to bring seed production and modern farming into the 21st Century. We’re happy with the product and the excellent service.” Looking to the future, Emorsgate Seeds hope to grow another of their farms in the southwest of the UK. “This would help us improve our sustainability even further” says Dan. By selling some standalone seeds directly to customers, they will be able to reduce transport, maximize resources, and lower their carbon footprint. ”For any future investments, we will certainly be coming directly to Munters.” Dan Campbell, Project Manager