Soybean producers need to recalibrate their drills and planters
this year because soybean seed size is 10-20 % smaller than
average, especially in northern Indiana. Ellsworth Christmas, a
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service soybean
specialist, says the reduced seed size is likely a result of
late-season heat and moisture stresses in 2003. "Soybean seed
would normally run 3,200 to 3,400 seeds per pound," he says.
"Many of those same varieties are running 3,800 to 4,000 seeds
per pound this year." Seed size will vary depending on location.
Christmas says seed produced in southern Indiana may be near
normal size, but seed from the northern part of the state will
be small. He said Group II beans, the group grown in the north,
were in the middle of seed formation when moisture stress was
most severe, causing the small seed size. Group III beans --
those grown in the southern part of the state -- were just
beginning seed formation during the moisture stress, which
resulted in seed abortion but less redu