The quality of the harvested grain is one of the main factors that determine the financial result of the soybean harvest. Even highly productive crops can suffer significant marketing discounts when the grain presents damage, inadequate moisture or mechanical damage.
These problems rarely arise only at harvest time. In most cases, they are a direct consequence of the management adopted throughout the cycle and the efficiency of the applications carried out.
Factors that determine grain quality
Grain quality is influenced by physiological, nutritional and operational aspects. Well-nourished and physiologically balanced plants produce more uniform grains, with less incidence of cracking, burning or broken grains.
The correct application of pesticides and fertilizers, with good coverage and deposition, reduces stress that compromises grain filling and pod integrity. When this step fails, the reflection appears directly in the final classification of the product.
Economic impacts of quality loss
Discounts for excessive humidity, impurities or mechanical damage directly impact the price received by the producer. In many cases, the sum of these discounts exceeds the cost of more efficient management throughout the cycle.
Furthermore, lower quality grains increase drying, storage and transportation costs, further reducing the final margin.
Common handling errors
Among the most frequent errors are:
- Applications with low efficiency, resulting in stressed plants.
- Non-uniformity in grain filling.
- Harvest outside the ideal point due to irregular maturation of the crop.
How to improve grain quality
Improving grain quality begins with technical planning and correct execution of applications. The use of appropriate adjuvants ensures better use of the applied products and greater physiological balance of the plant.
O Route-N and the Route-VIP contribute to more efficient applications, favoring more uniform plants and better quality grains, reducing the risk of discounts in marketing.
Conclusion
Producing more is important, but harvesting with quality is decisive. Correct management throughout the cycle is what guarantees grains that meet the standards required by the market.
👉 Talk to a Route technical consultant and evaluate how to improve the quality of your grain.
👉 Request an analysis of your application management.
References
BRAZILIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COMPANY. Quality of soybeans. Londrina: Embrapa Soja, 2022.
