[Crop Note] Soybean harvest (10 Oct 2023) at Champaign in IL, USA
The soybean harvesting phase usually commences when the soybean plants have achieved complete maturity, and the beans are primed for collection. The precise timing of the harvest may fluctuate, contingent on variables such as the soybean variety, environmental conditions, and geographical region. Nevertheless, there are common indicators to observe:
■ Pod Color:
The first indicator of soybean maturity is the color of the pods. As the soybeans mature, the green pods turn yellow or brown, and they may start to crack open.
■ Grain Color, Moisture content and Seed texture:
Inside the pods, the soybeans will change color as they mature. They typically start as green and then turn yellow or brown. Ripe soybeans will have a consistent color throughout the field. The moisture content of the soybeans is an important factor. It’s ideal to harvest soybeans when their moisture content is around 13-14%. If the moisture content is too high, it may require drying, and if it’s too low, the beans can shatter during harvest. Mature soybeans will feel firm to the touch, while immature ones will be soft and can be easily dented with a fingernail.
■ Leaf Drop:
As the soybeans mature, the plant leaves will start to drop, and the plant will begin to senesce or wither.