(NewsDakota.com/NDSU) – The following table displays a seed yield summary for two options among each of six dry bean plant establishment factors. With exceptions (tillage system and planting dates), using option A results in increased yield compared to option B, based on multiple NDSU field trials conducted during the period of 2007-22. Pinto bean was the market class included in tests among all factors, but black and navy bean were included in planting date and row spacing trials. The following is a brief overview:

Variety selection for yield – Data from seven 2022 variety trials with pinto bean were reviewed. Varieties yielding above the trial average ranged from 1-11% greater, with an average of 6%.

Tillage system – Yield was similar among five pinto bean trials at the Carrington REC comparing performance with strip-till versus conventional. Benefits of this reduced tillage system can be obtained without sacrifice of yield.

Planting date – Among six site-years of trials at Carrington and Prosper, planting pinto, black and navy bean early or late did not improve yield compared to the generally normal planting period of the last 7-10 days of May through the first 7-10 days of June.

Plant stand – Among three trials at Carrington and Langdon, pinto bean yield averaged 1650 lb per acre at 87,000 plants per acre compared to 1570 lb per acre with a stand of 72,000 plants per acre.

Row spacing – Using reduced row spacing (14- to 22-inch) with pinto, black and navy bean, yield increased 20, 9 and 22%, respectively, compared to wide rows (28- or 30-inch). The field trials were conducted without presence of white mold (sclerotinia). The economics of field equipment replacement needs to be considered if needed for transition from wide- to intermediate-row spacing.

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer application method – Modest rates of 10-34-0 liquid fertilizer (generally about 3 gpa) applied with the seed (in-furrow) or within two inches of the seed at planting in low-P testing soils substantially increased yield compared to a broadcast application at one-third higher rate. In-furrow applied fertilizer at greater rates than tested or with dry soil conditions may result in reduced plant stands.