Soybeans

Soybean seed specs include a size of 5-11 mm in diameter, a weight of 120-180 mg/seed, and a typical moisture content of 12-14% max. High-quality seeds have a minimum purity of 99%, with a maximum of 0.5% foreign matter. The physical appearance varies, with hulls ranging from yellow, green, brown, or black, and cotyledons that are typically yellow or green. 

Physical Characteristics

• Seed Size: Generally ranges from 5 to 11 mm in diameter. 
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Quality Specifications

• Purity: A minimum of 99% purity is often required for high-quality seeds. 
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Composition (Dry Weight)

• Protein: Around 36%. 
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Other Considerations

• Inoculation: Soybean seeds are often coated with a specific mixture of Bradyrhizobium bacteria, called an inoculant, to facilitate nitrogen fixation in the soil. 

Seed Weight: Typically falls between 120 and 180 mg per seed. 

Color:

• Hulls: Can be yellow, green, brown, or black, sometimes with a pattern of two colors.
• Cotyledons: Usually yellow or green.
• Hilum (the mark on the seed): May be black, brown, buff, or light yellow. 

Foreign Matter: A maximum of 0.5% foreign matter (i.e., non-seed material) is a common specification. 

Admixture: Similar to foreign matter, a maximum of 0.5% admixture (other types of seeds) is also common. 

Moisture Content: Should be kept low, typically 12-14% maximum, to prevent spoilage and maintain viability. 

Fat (Oil): About 20%. 

Carbohydrates: Approximately 30%. 

Ash: 5%. 

Water: Around 9%. 

Variety: Specific traits, such as shattering resistance, growth type, and tolerance to diseases like Phytophthora and SDS, are determined by the variety and should be checked on the product label.