Systems and methods for drying system control. A control system receives inputs and measurements and provides modulated outputs to a drying system, control subsystems, or a user interface. An energy ratio compares the optimal energy required to the actual energy applied is into the control system for a drying process and can be provided as a constraint for optimization. The energy ratio enables compensation for effects that environmental variables such as ambient humidity and temperature may have on system performance. The control system can modulate the energy supplied by the drying system to meet an energy ratio setpoint. Embodiments of the present disclosure can validate the effectiveness of the control system by monitoring material yield and utility consumption in real-time to optimize system performance.