Work

Soybean storage on an industrial scale: effects on physical-chemical, technological, and nutritional properties

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Soybeans are a major global oilseed, and Brazil's leading production requires large-scale storage to ensure a continuous supply. However, long-term storage, especially under tropical conditions, can affect physicochemical, technological, and nutritional quality. This study evaluated the industrial-scale storage of soybeans in a commercial semi-hermetic metal silo in southern Brazil and proposed a practical index to estimate technical dry-matter losses. Soybeans were stored in a silo with automated aeration, and samples were collected over ten months. Physical properties, protein content and solubility, oil yield, lipid acidity, oxidation indices, fatty acid profile, and carotenoids were analyzed over the storage period. Storage did not change commercial classification but significantly reduced specific mass, thousand-grain weight, porosity, protein solubility, carotenoids, and oil yield, particularly after eight months. Electrical conductivity and lipid acidity increased, indicating structural and hydrolytic deterioration. Although semi-hermetic storage reduced quality losses, prolonged storage negatively affected the technological and nutritional characteristics of soybeans.

Source: Journal of Stored Products Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103146

Authors: Volnei Luiz Meneghetti, Larissa Pellegrim Gianluppi, Everton Lutz, Diego Santiago Tupuna-Yerovi, Cristiano Dietrich Ferreira, Valmor Ziegler

Institutions: Instituto Federal Farroupilha, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Engineering and Mechanization

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,190