The objectives of this study were to determine the mechanical and structural properties of the seed coat for soy bean (Glicine hispida Max.), pea seed (Pisum sativum L.), and lentil seed (Lens culinaris Medic.). In order to clarify the cracking mechanisms of legume seed and determine the resistance to tensions the mechanical properties of the seed coat was carefully recognise separately. The seed coat ring samples were prepared according to the method elaborated previously. The resistance of seed coat to tension was studied for all seeds at wide range of moisture. The drying test was conducted to evaluate the effect of drying parameters on the stress and strain development of the seed coat. To evaluate the effect of drying conditions on the splitting of seed coat, the samples were dried with hot air. The microstructure of the cross-section at breakage as well as the cutting surface of the seed coat were determined with the JEOL JSM 5200 scanning electron microscope at accelerating voltage of 10 keV The seed coat strength of all studied legume seeds decreases with the increase of moisture content. It has been found that thickness of the seed coat for various cultivar was differ, what influences the force at breakage, however, frequently opposite to tension strength.