Navigation
Soil management for dry bean production
(From Dry Bean Production and Pest Management, 2nd Edition)
Sound nutrient management is a valuable component to a profitable bean crop. A balanced fertility program enhances the benefits of other practices, but cannot compensate for poor management. Along with sound management practices, wise nutrient use will enhance crop yield, improve crop quality, promote early maturity and maximize profits. Conversely, excessive nutrient application can create other nutrient deficiencies by upsetting the overall nutrient balance or lead to development of foliar diseases due to excessive vegetative growth.
Fertilizer applications should be based on soil tests, crop requirements, crop rotations and experience. Soil testing is an important tool that can be used to help make nutrient management decisions, provided a representative soil sample is provided to the lab.
(Original article by Bart Stevens, Jessica Davis, Jurg Blumental, and Gary W. Hergert)
Read the entire chapter here (PDF file, 6 pages, 302 kb)
Learn soil sampling procedures:
Other online nutrient management resources:
- Fertilizer Management for Dry Edible Beans, NebGuide G1713 (*PDF version, 1.05 MB; 3 color pages)
- Use and Management of Micronutrient Fertilizers in Nebraska, NebGuide G1830, (*PDF version, 1.17 MB, 4 color pages)
- Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops in Nebraska, EC155: A guide to nutrient use from all sources for the production of Nebraska's major agronomic crops. Content in this 176-page book is divided into two main areas: the basic principles of soil fertility for the primary, secondary and micronutrients and fertilizer recommendations for individual crops. View this guide on-line or order the softcover book. Cost is $12.