At first glance, a variation of a few percentage points in moisture content may seem insignificant. However, for soybeans intended for seed, these cycles of dehydration and rehydration can affect the quality of the grain, reduce its vigour, and ultimately impair its ability to produce a strong seedling.
A Seed Remains AliveA Seed Remains Alive
A soybean seed is a living organism that contains an embryo as well as delicate cell membranes that must remain intact at the time of germination.
When a seed loses water, its tissues contract slightly. When it reabsorbs moisture, they swell again. When this change occurs slowly, it is generally well tolerated. However, when this process repeats, the different parts of the seed do not necessarily react at the same rate.
This can be compared to a material that is continuously folded and unfolded. It does not always break on the first movement, but it gradually weakens. In soybeans, this stress can cause microscopic damage to the seed coat and internal membranes.
A seed that has been mishandled may pass a standard germination test but produce a seedling that grows more slowly or is less vigorous. A weakened seed will also be less able to withstand difficult field conditions.
Ventilate at the Right Time
To maintain the vigour of the soybeans, ventilation should be carefully controlled to reduce “yo-yo” effects. The goal isn’t just to ventilate when it isn’t raining. You must also take temperature into account to avoid over-drying or condensation buildup.
Remember: exposing soybeans to repeated stress cycles due to poor ventilation can reduce their vigour even before they’re returned to the field.
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