Fontanelle
Making the difference for you
Reducing Shattering in Soybeans
October 12, 2009
Shattering in soybeans occur when pods split and soybean seeds fall to the ground while plants are standing in the field or during harvest operations. Although genetics play a part, environment and grain moisture play equally important roles. Our soybean researchers evaluate and select varieties for reduced shattering but shattering can happen in any variety if certain environmental conditions occur.
Several wet and dry cycles greatly increase shattering because the seeds swell and shrink inside the pods which fractures the pod walls. Larger seed can be the first to shatter due to this swelling and shrinking. Soybeans give up and re-absorb moisture more easily than other crops. You can reduce shattering by harvesting soybeans when the relative humidity of the air is high. Try to harvest as much of your crop as possible before the moisture level falls below 12%. Pod walls become more fragile as moisture content drops. Over-dry pods can split when hit by the combine reel or from cutterbar vibrations.
Adjust the combine for your crop conditions. To reduce shattering maintain ground speed at 3 to 4 mph or slower if lodged, use a reel speed about 10 to 25% faster than ground speed and up to 50% faster if the crop is lodged and keep the reel axle 6 to 12 inches ahead of the cutterbar and as low as possible. Setting the reel too deep in the canopy will increase shattering and cause plants to ride over the reel.