Assessing the effects of free fall conditions on damage to chickpea seeds: A comprehensive examination of seed deterioration

Impact damage is the most destructive effect on the seeds during harvesting, handling, and storage, both on-farm and off-farm. The chickpea seeds' dicotyledonous characteristics and large mass and size make them susceptible to mechanical damage under impact loading. Tests were conducted to determine the extent of damage to chickpea seeds due to the impact caused by free fall. The extent of internal damage to the chickpea seeds was determined, which included the measurement of seed deterioration by the accelerated aging method (percentage loss in germination in the accelerated aging test) and the measurement of electrical conductivity. Three independent variables were used in the test, namely: (a) drop height (3, 6, 9, and 12 m), (b) impact surface (concrete, metal, plywood and seeds on seeds), and (c) seed moisture content (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% w.b). The results showed that drop height, impact surface, and moisture content had significant effects (