Mechanical damage caused by the use of grain carts for transport during soybean seed harvest

Abstract: Mechanical damage constitutes one of the factors limiting production of high quality soybean seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on seed viability and mechanical damage caused to soybean seeds when using a grain cart, together with an auger unloading system, as a means of transporting grain from the combine to the truck. Seed samples were collected in two seed production fields in the region of Abelardo Luz, SC, Brazil, at three different times (10:00, 12:30, and 16:00) and from three places (in the combine grain tank, in the grain wagon, and in the truck). The percentages of broken seeds, moisture content, mechanical damage to the seed coat, and germination were evaluated. The use of auxiliary grain cart equipment contributed to an increase in breakage and mechanical injury in seeds, worsening seed viability. Seeds collected at lower moisture contents had higher breakage and higher rates of mechanical damage.

摘要：机械损伤是制约优质大豆种子生产的重要因素之一。本研究旨在评估：采用谷物转运车（grain cart）配合螺旋卸料系统（auger unloading system），将联合收割机收获的谷物转运至卡车的作业流程中，对大豆种子活力及所受机械损伤的影响。研究在巴西圣卡塔琳娜州阿贝拉尔杜卢斯地区的两处种子生产田开展，分别在三个时段（10:00、12:30、16:00）以及三个采样位点（联合收割机谷物粮仓、谷物拖车（grain wagon）、卡车车厢内）采集种子样本。检测指标涵盖破籽率、含水量、种皮机械损伤程度与发芽率。结果表明，辅助谷物转运车的使用会提升种子破籽率与机械损伤程度，降低种子活力；含水量较低的种子，其破籽率与机械损伤发生率更高。