Physiological quality of soybean seeds in fixed-bed dryer with air radial distribution

Abstract

In recent years few countries have grown as much in international agribusiness trade as in Brazil, where soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the economic activities that have contributed most. However, in order to increase or maintain the efficiency of the oilseed, it is necessary to increase the knowledge in the post-harvest techniques that are applied to the seeds to maintain their quality. This study aimed at evaluation of the physiological quality and the drying uniformity of soybean seeds in a commercial fixed-bed dryer of the brand Granfinale and industrial ventilator of the brand AeroMack with the radial distribution of air. Samples were collected at 4 vertical heights: 0.20, 1.40, 2.60 and 3.80 meters at the dryer base combined with 4 radial distances of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 meters and central duct, through a 4x4 random factorial scheme. The following analyzes were performed on seeds: Water Content (WC), Germination Standard Test (GST), First count of Germination Standard Test (FCT), Accelerated Aging (AA), Electric Conductivity (EC) and Germination Velocity Index (GVI). The analysis of variance and regression analysis were performed, when applicable. We found a super drying in the lower layer and retardation in the upper layer of stationary drying. The seeds located at vertical heights of 0.20 and 1.40 m obtained the highest mean values of Germination Standard Test and Accelerated Aging. On the other hand, seeds located at vertical heights of 0.20 m, regardless of radial distances, showed less vigor according to Electric Conductivity test in relation to the other treatments. The variables First count of Germination Standard Test (FCT) and Germination Velocity Index (GVI) were not significantly influence by the evaluated treatments and their interaction.