Edible dry bean plant growth and NPK uptake in response to different residue management systems

Abstract

A field study was conducted on a Fargo clay soil (fine, smectitic, frigid, Typic Epiaquert) to determine the influence of two navy dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars (early Upland and late-maturity C-20), four primary tillage systems (PLOW, SWEEP, STRIP, NOTILL) and two weed control methods (cultivate or non-cultivate) on plant dry matter production, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) concentration and uptake. Plants were sampled at three growth stages that included flowering (V5), green bean (R5), and maximum growth (R8). Dry matter production in 1991 averaged 192, 1,453, and 4,350 kg ha−1 at the three growth stages, respectively, during a normal climatic season. Dry matter in 1993, a cool-wet season, was reduced to 177, 519, and 1,510 kg ha−1 for the respective stages. Maximum dry matter production in 1991 was obtained with NOTILL (4,430 kg ha−1) and in 1993 with STRIP (1,710 kg ha−1). Concentrations of NPK at all growth stages, in both years, were highest with the PLOW system. Total NPK uptake at stage V5 and R5 were highest with STRIP in 1993 and NOTILL systems in 1991. Maximum nutrient uptake at stage R8 was similar among tillage systems in 1991, N at 94 kg ha−1, P at 14 kg ha−1, and K at 106 kg ha−1. In 1993, the maximum N (44 kg ha−1), P (6 kg ha−1), and K (38 kg ha−1) were obtained with STRIP and/or PLOW systems. Considering climate, growth stage and cultivar, STRIP tillage provided the best system for maximizing dry matter production and uptake of NPK for dry edible beans.