When weather conditions, are not favourable then harvesting can be performed at 14 to 15% grain moisture. By doing this, we can reduce the losses occuring during harvesting. The loss of Soybean depends on the selection of the varieties. Generally, there is more loss in early maturing crops during harvesting. If it rains during harvesting then harvesting should be done immediately after rains. Damage due to rains can be reduced by using all means of drying and harvesting immediately after rains or when rain reduces. Time factor in harvesting and threshing is crucial because of following three reasons Harvesting at most appropriate time will minimise the effect of weathering and seed deterioration. Harvested crop should be kept in a high and clean place to avoid mixing with other seeds and Foreign material in order to maintain the high quality of seed. Careful handling during harvesting and threshing operations can avoid mechanical abuse resulting injury to Soybean seed and loss of germination. The most appropriate seed moisture content for harvesting of Soybean is considered to be about 17%. Seed cracking, breakage and splitting of Soybean increases when moisture content in the seed decreases below 13%. While Soybean seed with 15% moisture tolerates drop from 20 ft on metal surfaces, too dry seed with less moisture (12%) can be damaged by a fall from 5 ft.on metal surface. Nevertheless, if the moisture content is above 15% the seed bruising etc during threshing will increase. Harvesting either can be done by mechanical thresher or by hammering by wooden log.

Top