Söötmistorust

Söötmistorust is a term encountered primarily in Estonian agricultural engineering and materials science literature. The word seems to derive from sööt, meaning feed, combined with a form of rust, but there is no universally accepted scientific definition for the term. In practice, söötmistorust is used descriptively to refer to rust and corrosion that develop on metal surfaces that come into contact with animal feed or feed-handling equipment. The term is not widely used in international journals and may be regional or industry-specific rather than a formal designation.

In appearance, söötmistorust resembles typical rust on iron- and steel-containing components, presenting as a brown to reddish oxide layer that can become uneven or flaky. In heavily used or poorly maintained equipment such as feed troughs, silos, and conveyors, rust can lead to pitting, material loss, and potential contamination of feed. The exact composition of the corrosion products varies with alloy, environmental conditions, and the chemical constituents of the feed, including moisture, salts, and organic acids.

Causes and contributing factors include elevated humidity, condensation, persistent moisture, and exposure to feed components that can be acidic or saline. Inadequate ventilation, irregular cleaning, and absence of protective coatings increase the risk of söötmistorust formation. Effective prevention and management focus on using corrosion-resistant materials (for example, stainless steel or properly coated surfaces), applying or renewing protective coatings, maintaining dry and clean storage and handling areas, controlling humidity, and implementing regular inspection and maintenance of feed-handling equipment.

See also: rust, corrosion, metallurgy, feed handling equipment.