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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions
Published on: November 6, 2016
Securing soybean seed quality: the critical role of postharvest temperature and atmosphere management on vigor and
Xi Zhu1, Jie Zhu2, Ruolan Wang1
1School of Food and Strategic Reserves, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China.
Background:
High seed quality is a cornerstone of crop establishment and yield stability. However, newly harvested soybean (Glycine max) seeds often exhibit low germination vigor, posing a significant agronomic challenge. This study investigated the after-ripening behavior of freshly harvested soybean seeds and evaluated how storage temperature, humidity, and storage atmosphere influence seed germination, nutritional composition, and longevity.
Results:
An optimal after-ripening window of 30-45 days (25 °C, 65% relative humidity (RH)) was identified for seeds to reach peak physiological quality. The effects of different environmental conditions were then quantified. Low temperature (15 °C) and a controlled atmosphere (nitrogen) were highly effective in preserving seed viability and longevity, significantly decelerating quality loss. Conversely, high temperature (35 °C) and high humidity (75% RH) conditions represented severe abiotic stress, causing a catastrophic and rapid loss of seed viability.
Conclusion:
Soybean after-ripening is strongly regulated by storage environment. Temperature was the dominant factor, while higher humidity accelerated deterioration and nitrogen-enriched storage delayed after-ripening and quality loss. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing postharvest soybean storage, either to prolong seed longevity or to regulate the timing of after-ripening for subsequent use. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
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