This blog post will provide an overview of two Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) pinto bean production management studies, plus announce dry bean educational workshops scheduled later this month. The studies and workshops are being supported by Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

The CREC has completed three years of research with winter rye as a cover crop prior to pinto bean production (pictured above). Bean seed yield with rye (with proper management) can be maintained or exceeded vs. convention bean production while making use of the cover crop benefits including reduction in soil erosion and weed suppression. Generally dry spring soil conditions each of the three years dictated that the rye be terminated with glyphosate at least 2 weeks before the beans were planted to preserve soil moisture and bean seed yield. The study will continue in 2020.

A CREC study is continuing to identify the best combination of pinto bean row spacing by plant population (pictured above). Averaged across five site-years, pinto bean in 21-22" rows averaged 18% greater yield vs. 28-30" rows. Averaged across four site-years, pinto bean density at 72,000 plants/acre resulted in 6% greater yield vs. 55,000 plants/acre. Two years of data with the interaction of rows by plant population is indicating highest yield with 21-inch rows and about 90,000 plants/acre. The study will continue in 2020 and will also include paired rows.

A dry bean educational workshop series titled ‘Dry Bean Production: Getting-it-Right’ will be conducted by NDSU Extension. The workshop’s objective is to provide dry bean growers and crop advisers with NDSU’s newest research and recommendations to enhance the crop’s production and profitability. General subjects include plant establishment, nutrition and protection (disease, weed and insect management); market update; and grower production techniques.

The meeting dates, times, locations and contacts are:

• Thursday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Park River City Auditorium, 504 Briggs Ave. S; for more information, contact Brad Brummond, NDSU Extension agent in Walsh County, at 701-284-6248 or bradley.brummond@ndsu.edu
• Friday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Festival Hall, Wells Co. Fairgrounds; for more information, contact Lindsay Maddock, NDSU Extension agent in Wells County, at 701-381-8606 or lindsay.maddock@ndsu.edu

The event is free of charge and preregistration is not necessary. Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisers.

Greg Endres
Gregory.Endres@ndsu.edu
Extension Agronomist