Post-harvest of soybeans

Soybean should be stored at a moisture content of 10% or less. A soybean seed is sufficiently dry when it cannot be dented with the teeth or fingernails. Soybean grains usually contain about 14% moisture; long and short storage require respectively decreasing moisture content to 13% and 10–11%. The most practical way to protect soybean in storage is open-air drying by placing 50 kg or 100 kg bags of clean soybean on a rack in the cold room or in shade. High moisture content affect stored soybean encouraging the development of various agents of deterioration, such as insects and microorganisms. Good storage management influences the storability of soybean and subsequent seed germination when planted. It is not recommended to expose soybean grains to high temperatures, as it will increase deterioration and reduce seed viability.