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  • H 76 Determining Ryegrass Seed Moisture

H76 Determining ryegrass seed moisture

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Seed moisture content (SMC) is commonly expressed as a percentage of the original seed weight. This Herbage Update reports on an experiment comparing different methodologies for determining seed moisture content in perennial ryegrass.

Key points

  • Determining seed moisture content is best achieved when temperature is accurately controlled to avoid burning (oxidisation) of seed.
  • For seed moisture testing, the depth of seed in the tray should allow for heating and evaporation of seed located on the bottom of the tray.
  • Growers should consider the use of automated seed moisture meters to achieve greater accuracy.
  • All methods should be calibrated against a trusted oven test.

Read Herbage Update 76: Seed moisture determination of ryegrass seed here

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