By Dylan Mangel And Chris Termunde et.al
Excessive rainfall on mature crops can lead to harvest complications and reduced seed quality. In soybeans, these problems can include lodging, shattering, purple seed stain and even seed decay. Once fields dry out, harvest as soon as conditions allow and monitor seed quality closely. Before hauling, check for sprouting, disease, splits and foreign material that could result in discounts at the elevator.
Pod Shattering
Pre-harvest pod shattering can occur when dry pods are rewetted. Harvest pod shattering occurs when grain moisture content is less than 13%. As soybean moisture decreases, shatter and harvest losses increase.
When assessing harvest shatter losses, approximately four soybean seeds per square foot equal one bushel per acre of loss.
Plant Lodging
Excessive moisture can support saprophytic fungi that break down plant tissue. Under these conditions, fungal activity can contribute. In low areas of fields and along waterways, lodging can occur when water rapidly enters and leaves the field. Lodged plants in contact with the soil or covered with mud, silt and debris are more likely to experience seed deterioration and reduced seed quality.
Source : unl.edu