Fertilizer Recommendations for Edible Beans in Minnesota George Rehm, Michael Schmitt, and Roger Eliason

Copyright ©  2002  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen:

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations can be based either on the results of the soil nitrate test or the consideration of yield goal, previous crop, and soil organic matter content. The soil nitrate test is appropriate for the fine-textured soils of western and northwestern Minnesota. It should not be used for soils that have a sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam texture. When the soil nitrate test is used, the fertilizer N recommendations are calculated using Equation 1.

Equation 1: N_(Rec) = (.05) (YG) - N_(ST) - N_(PC)

Where:

YG = yield goal, lb./acre
N_(ST) = nitrate-N (NO₃)-N) measured at a depth of 0-24 inches, lb./acre

N_PC = N credits for a previous crop, lb./acre. These are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Nitrogen credits for legume crops for the first year of edible beans following a legume. Use these values in equation 1.

The nitrogen recommendations for the situations where the soil nitrate test is not used are listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Nitrogen recommendations for edible beans for situations where the soil nitrate test is not used.

Nitrogen management practices should be adjusted according to soil texture. Split applications are suggested for sandy soils (sands, loamy sands, sandy loams). Approximately one-half of the suggested nitrogen should be applied approximately two weeks after planting. The remainder of the amount needed can be applied two weeks later.

Split applications are not needed if soils are not sandy. The nitrogen needed for these fields can be applied in the fall, before planting, or as a sidedress treatment. Considering the late date of planting common with edible bean production, a spring preplant application followed by incorporation would be preferred. Do not apply any N in contact with the seed at planting.

There is no evidence to suggest that there is a superior source of nitrogen for edible bean production. If applied so as to prevent loss, all nitrogen fertilizers should have an equal effect on yield.

Phosphate and Potash

Current phosphate recommendations are summarized in Table 3. The recommendations for potash use are in Table 4. The recommendations listed in these tables are suggested for either banded or broadcast applications. Do not apply any fertilizer in contact with the seed.

Table 3. Phosphate recommendations for edible bean production.

* Use one of the following equations if a P₂0₅ recommendation for a specific yield goal is desired.
P₂O_{5 Rec} = [.0231-.0011 (Bray P, ppm)] (Yield Goal)
P₂O_{5 Rec} = [.0231-.0014 (Bray P, ppm)] (Yield Goal)

Table 4. Potash recommendations for edible bean production.

* Use the following equation if a K₂O recommendation for a specific soil test value and a specific yield goal is desired.
K₂O_Rec = [.0346-.00042 (K Soil Test, ppm)] (Yield Goal)

Micronutrients:

Past research with edible beans has indicated that zinc is the only micronutrient that may be needed in a fertilizer program. Zinc suggestions for both starter and broadcast applications are listed in Table 5.

Table 5. Zinc recommendations for edible bean production.

Zinc Soil Test*	Zinc to Apply
	Starter	Broadcast
-ppm-	-------------lb./acre-------------
0.00-0.25	2	10
0.26-0.50	2	10
0.51-0.75	1	5
0.76-1.00	0	0
1.10 +	0	0
* Zinc extracted by the DTPA procedure

There is no research suggesting that other nutrients are needed in a fertilizer program for edible bean production. CAUTION! Do not apply any fertilizer in contact with the seed at planting.

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