Research has found the shelf life of any seed is dependent on its moisture content, as well as the temperature and humidity of the storage environment.

To ensure your seed maintains its quality, it is recommended you store your canola in an area which minimises exposure to humidity and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Nuseed encourages the following practices when storing seed.

• store your seed bags in an area where they will be dry, undercover and have natural ventilation.
• keep your seed bags away from direct sunlight.
• avoid storing seeds in cool rooms unless you can control humidity to 30 per cent, which requires a dehumidifier. Most cool rooms operate at 70 per cent humidity or higher, causing seeds to absorb moisture and deteriorate in viability more rapidly.
• ensure your seed is kept away from extreme heat sources or hot building walls, storing on the south side is strongly encouraged.
• storage area should be clean and hygienic.
• use an area pest and insect free or use suitable baiting.
• store seed bags off the ground on pallets or pallet racking.
• store away from moisture or wet areas.
• replace or repair any damaged packaging.
• if seed is spilt, follow the directions for safe handling.
• store seed away from chemicals, especially herbicides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I store my seed at the very top of my pallet racking?

Placing seed at the top of the pallet racking, closer to the roof, exposes your seed to extreme temperature fluctuations. It is recommended to store it midway up the pallet racking—not on the ground and not at the top.

Q. Where is the best place in my shed to store seed?

The best location for storage should be on the southern side of the shed, in a controlled storage facility such as a shipping container, or on pallet racking. This helps lower the likelihood of extreme temperature fluctuations.

Q. Which storage option would you recommend for storing the seed: a cool room, shipping container, or pallet racking? Please explain your preference and reasons why.

There is no requirement for cool room storage. Safe storage options include pallet racking on the southern side of the shed or a shipping container also positioned on the southern side of the shed, ensuring good ventilation, stable temperature and no moisture affecting the seed. This will help ensure the seed holds and maintains its quality.

Ranked Storage Preferences

1. A shipping container inside the southern side of the shed—ensure good ventilation; avoid placing shipping containers in the open.

2. Pallet racking on the southern side of the shed with seed stored in the middle of the pallet racking.

3. A cool room is not necessary. If using a cool room that is not turned on, ensure good ventilation to maintain stable temperatures and minimise external factors.

Q. What are the risks when using a cool room facility?

Without humidity control (dehumidifier), cool rooms can operate above 70 per cent humidity and higher. This high humidity is detrimental to the longevity of germination and vigour. The risk of failure is high with this system.

Q. Could I use a reverse cycle air conditioner to stabilise temperature in a shipping container/cool room?

If using a split system that can dehumidify the air and lower relative humidity, this can be utilised. It is advisable to install a humidity and temperature control alarm system to alert you in the unlikely event that the split system malfunctions and causes an increase in humidity.

Q. What is the concern with high humidity?

When seed is exposed to high humidity for extended periods (weeks), it will slowly absorb moisture from the air, increasing seed moisture content. For example, seeds could move from 7 per cent to 8 per cent moisture content. According to Harrington’s Rule of Thumb, a 1 per cent increase in seed moisture content would halve the seed storage life.

Q. Would you recommend emptying my bags into a seal-proof seed container?

This is not necessarily required; with good storage facilities and minimal pests, your seed should store well. However, if you have high rodent and pest pressure, seal-proof containers would be suitable. Ensure that the containers do not have any residues that could deteriorate the seed quality. If unsure, please discuss with your local agronomist.

Q. How long can I safely store seed, given safe storage conditions that minimises humidity and high temperatures?

It is recommended to use your seed as soon as possible to minimise the effects that humidity and temperature could have on the seed. Always retest your seed for germination, prior to use if it has been stored from one season to the next.

Q. Can I store my seed in the same shed as chemicals?

Yes, but be very careful about where and what you are storing the seed next to. Keep seed away from herbicides that could damage it, as well as away from liquids and potential chemical spills. If unsure, discuss safe storage practices with your local agronomist.

Q. If I store my seed well, should I get my seed tested for germination?

Yes, it is always best to retest seed carried over to have the best knowledge of germination rate. What may seem like appropriate storage sometimes could be less than ideal due to external factors.

Q. What time of the year should I get my seed retested?

It would be recommended to get your seed retested in November or December to allow the lab appropriate time to return results to you.

For more information on seed storage practices, speak to your local agronomist.