Effect of Moisture Content on Different Engineering Properties of Pigeon Pea

Abstract

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a crucial pulse crop cultivated across tropical and subtropical countries, with India being the largest producer. It plays an important role in food security, soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, and adaptation to marginal environments. This study characterizes the physical properties of pigeon pea grains for optimization in agricultural and processing industries. Key physical properties, including sphericity (0.82–0.90), grain weight (96–102 g), bulk density (820–890 kg/m³), actual density (1310–1340 kg/m³), coefficient of internal friction (0.4–0.7), and angle of repose (25–28°C), were studied under varied moisture conditions. The findings indicate that moisture content significantly influences these properties, impacting handling, storage, and processing efficiency. Pigeon pea’s tolerance to hostile temperatures and its agronomic features make it a favourite crop for smallholder farmers. Understanding its physical properties is essential for optimizing post-harvest processes, improving mechanization, and enhancing overall productivity in the agricultural sector.