Storability of Harvest-Damaged Soybeans

Soybeans damaged by combine harvesting were placed in storage at 10.6-percent moisture (wet basis) for two years. Samples were tested initially and after 4, 7.5, 10,5 18.5, and 23.5 mo in storage for germina-tion, seedcoat cracks, breakage, seed tissue damage and oil quality to determine the effects of storage time and harvest damage on seed quality. The percentage of split soybeans more than doubled as harvest moistures decreased from 16 percent to 12 per-cent. Seedcoat cracks were about two times more prevalent in the Beeson variety than in the Williams variety. TetrazoHum and cold germination tests in-dicated a decline in germination after one year in storage. Warm germination percentages dropped severe-ly after 18.5 mo. The free fatty acid and iron content of the crude soybean oil were not affected by harvest damage level or time in storage. Oil phosphorus content decreased with time in storage but was not affected by harvest damage level.