The primary cause of poor seed quality in harvested crops is low-temperature chilling. In our province, the crops most affected by this issue include corn, rice, and peanuts. During the favorable conditions of late autumn and early winter, the moisture content of seeds decreases, allowing them to survive the winter safely. The following outlines the proper storage methods for these three types of seeds:
Corn: When the moisture content of corn seeds reaches 19%–20%, they are at risk of freezing damage at temperatures between -12°C and -18°C. To ensure safe overwintering, the moisture level should be reduced below 16% before winter. Corn seeds are best stored in the ear, allowing natural drying through stacking. It's important to choose a well-ventilated location and maintain good airflow. The stack should not exceed 1.5 meters in width, with a base layer of at least 0.5 meters. If the moisture content is above 20% when placed in the stack, it should be turned after 7–10 days, moving the dry outer ears to the center and the wetter inner ones to the outside. If natural drying is insufficient, heating can be used in flue-cured tobacco houses or fire pits. The temperature should be kept slightly above 10°C, with a maximum surface temperature of 40°C to avoid damaging the seeds' viability. The corn ears should be spread no more than 35 cm thick and regularly turned. After drying, the seeds should be cooled gradually before being moved into regular storage.
Rice: There are two main methods for storing rice seeds during winter. The first is warehouse storage, which requires reducing the moisture content to below 18% by early November and further to 14% by late December. The warehouse temperature must remain stable to avoid fluctuations. Another method is insulated storage, which includes three techniques: (1) Layered storage, where an additional layer of rice seeds is wrapped around the outer layer, with 30–50 cm of rice husks or other insulating materials between layers. (2) Pile insulation, where bags filled with other materials are arranged around the rice seeds to create a protective wall, then covered with mats and topped with dry straw. (3) Cellar storage, where a dry site is chosen, and a rectangular or circular cellar (1.5–2 meters deep) is dug. The bottom and sides are lined with grass curtains, followed by mats and the rice seeds, which are then covered with soil 30–60 cm thick. Seeds are typically placed in the cellar during the transition to freezing weather (late October to early November) and removed when the temperature reaches 0–2°C (early April). Once spring arrives, the seeds should be dried promptly to prevent overheating and mold.
Peanuts: The germination rate of peanut seeds starts to decline at -10°C when the moisture content is 13%, and they can survive the winter only if the moisture is below 8.5%. After harvesting, peanuts must be dried quickly. Overwintering is usually done using small storage units. Choose a dry, ventilated outdoor area, and raise the seeds 30–50 cm off the ground using a tree branch tray. Cover with a tree curtain to form a narrow pile about 1 meter wide, ensuring the cover is tight. On cloudy or snowy days, cover the outside with weeds. On sunny days, remove the straw to allow full drying. If stored indoors, the moisture content should be below 9% before entering the room. If the moisture is high, the seeds should be periodically ventilated to prevent spoilage.
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