Soybean seeds are delicate. Even if you source quality ones, you must protect them from the elements and damage that could compromise your final yield. Luckily, there are many agronomy services available to prevent pathogen infections and raise their germination score. To help you improve your harvest, here are a few steps to take to care for your soybean seeds.

3 Ways to Keep Soybean Seeds High-Quality

1. Protect from Disease

Diaporthe longicolla is a type of fungus that affects soybean seeds. It forms a white, chalky substance on the outside of the seed, rotting it from the inside. Infected samples have reddish-brown lesions on their stems near the soil line. Using foliar fungicides between the R3 and R5 stages of development can reduce the infection, improve the quality of the seed, and increase the warm germination scores by as much as 15%. You can also prevent problems by planting early in the season on well-drained fields, and harvesting before October, when seeds reach the optimal moisture levels.

2. Handle Carefully

Soybeans are fragile and susceptible to mechanical injury. Embryos are located near the seed coat, and the embryonic tissue may be compromised if the load is bumped or dropped. As seed moisture continues to decline over time, the risk of damage further increases. Slower augers, reduced drop heights on conveyor belts, and proper handling during transport reduce the stress placed on the coat.

3. Store Them

Drying soybeans properly requires constant airflow. Agronomy prefers a natural drying method, but once mid-November hits, drying them in the sun may expose them to low temperatures. When this happens, you should store your seeds in a safe unit.

In storage, check moisture levels every couple of weeks. Verify that there are no growths on the seeds and keep piles leveled as much as possible. A pile with a peak allows the seeds at the top to dry quicker, so you can use a slow fan to air them out.

Allied Cooperative has an entire division dedicated to agronomy to help with nutrient management, seed sales and treatment, bulk soybean storage, and other services for Mid-Wisconsin farmers. They are owned by their customers, which ensures quality products and customer service. Visit their website to learn more about their agronomy offerings, or call (800) 247-5679 to schedule an appointment.