AGR3303 Agricultural Materials and Post-Harvest Technologies

Synopsis

The handling, grading, storage, packaging and processing of agricultural produce are all important parts of the agricultural production and distribution system and frequently involve costs in excess of those associated with simply growing the crop. A knowledge of, the physiological, physical, thermal, aerodynamic, rheological, electrical and optical properties of agricultural materials is highly relevant to these areas. Such knowledge may be used for the purposes of devising techniques for grading, sorting, separation and the design of packaging to prevent possible product damage. Post harvest treatments against pests and diseases are considered as well as modified atmosphere storage and controlled atmosphere storage for extending shelf life. The fundamentals of waste management and life-cycle environmental assessments and some basic aspects of food processing technology are also considered.

Course offers