Soil selection

1. Well-drained soils with good water holding ability are preferred. 2. Uniformity (avoid slow growth areas). 3. Soil test to determine pH and fertility needs. 4. Avoid high alkaline areas. 5. Avoid soils high in soluble salts.

Crop rotation

1. Edible beans may follow or succeed many crops. However, diseases may result from following other edible beans, sugar beets, sunflowers, snapbeans, mustard, and canola. 2. It is recommended that you have at least a three-year crop rotation.

Fertilization

1. Soil test for fertilizer needs. Fertility levels are important. Try to fertilize according to soil test. 2. STARTER APPLICATIONS—DO NOT APPLY N + K20 in direct contact with the seed. Starter fertilizers should contain higher amounts of phosphorous and be placed 2" X 2". 3. NITROGEN—It is generally felt that edible beans will respond favorably to nitrogen application. While it isn't wise to apply excess amounts, beans will suffer when rates are too low. 4. ZINC—The importance of zinc cannot be over-emphasized. When deficient, both yield and maturity suffer. All soils with a pH of 7.0 and above should be tested for zinc. Applications of zinc sulfate or zinc chelate are the best corrective methods.

Seed bed preparation

1. Avoid overworking soil because of compaction. 2. Prepare a level seed bed. This will make planting and harvesting easier.

Seed

1. Western grown Seedwest brand seed should be used to help reduce the risk of seed-borne diseases. 2. Seed treatment, including a fungicide and insecticide for early protection, is strongly recommended. 3. Inoculation at planting time may be beneficial. Beans are a legume and the strain of bacteria necessary for fixation may be lacking from the soil. 4. HANDLE SEED CAREFULLY—DO NOT DROP THE BAGS. Rough handling can damage the growing point within the seed, resulting in a poor stand.

Weed control

1. Early season weed control is essential for maximum yield. Late season weeds hinder harvest operations and can lower quality. 2. Proper weed identification is critical for control. 3. Apply chemicals according to label recommendations.

IMPORTANT:

Today's consumer considers edible beans as a natural, healthy product, requiring minimal processing without additional food preservatives. It is essential we as an industry provide the customer with what they seek. Use of off-label pesticides are strictly prohibited and illegal. We have an adequate selection of safe, effective, and labeled pesticides to choose from. To do otherwise will result in product refusal and possible legal action.

More info

Contact your nearest ADM Edible Bean Specialties elevator In Colorado: Yuma 970-848-3818 In Idaho: Kimberly 208-423-5531 Twin Falls 208-734-2550 In Michigan: Auburn 989-662-7173 Elkton 989-375-4040 Fairgrove 989-693-6133 Harbor Beach 989-479-3453 Pinnconning 989-879-4191 Reese 989-755-0977 St. Louis 989-681-2129 Ubly 989-658-2131 In Minnesota: Appleton 320-289-2430 Olivia 320-523-1637 Oslo 218-695-5566 In North Dakota: Barney 701-439-2266 Casselton 701-347-5321 Cavalier 701-265-8385 Galesburg 701-488-2214 Grafton 701-352-1030 Northwood 701-587-5900 St Thomas 701-257-6721 In Wyoming: Burlington 307-762-3255 Back to Top