Bean Production Research Articles

The effect of organic amendments on soil microbial activity and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba) inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum

A two year (2021 and 2022) field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic amendments on soil microbial activity and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum at Savadkuh in the north of Iran as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatments included seed inoculation at two levels (inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae and non-inoculation) and fertilization at 5 levels [cattle manure (CM) @30 tonnes/ha, vermicompost of manure (VM) @20 tonnes/ha, vermicompost of Azolla (VA) @20 tonnes/ha, chemical fertilization based on soil analysis (NP), and control]. Present study found that the soil microbial biomass carbon (C) increased over time until 120 daysafter emergence (DAE). The maximum microbial biomass-C (441 mg/g soil) and bacterial count (545 × 105 cfu/ml) were obtained from the inoculated VA treatment. The highest yields of pods (14400 kg/ha) and seeds (1266 kg/ha) were obtained when the use of vermicompost was accompanied by inoculation of R. leguminosarum, so that in plants without inoculation, the use of vermicompost increased the yield of pods compared to the NP by 34% and compared to CM, it increased by 44%, but this increase was 39% and 19% for inoculated plants compared to NP and CM, respectively. Although the seeds of vermicomposted plants showed lower iron (Fe) content, they showed higher nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content than other plants. In total, the results showed a significant improvement in soil microbial activity, absorption of nutrients and bean yield by using vermicompost(especially VA) under R. leguminosarum inoculation. Therefore, in the low-fertile soils of Iran, the combined use of high-quality vermicompost together with R. leguminosarum can strengthen soil microbial activity and bean production and be a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Growth, varietal development and cultivar diversity in seed production chain of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in India

India with a contribution of about 90% to the global production ranks first in the world in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba [L.] Taub.) production. It is an important feed, fodder, food and industrial crop grown in arid and semiarid regions of West and North-West India specifically, Rajasthan, accounted for about 87.7% of the production and 91.5% of the acreage during 2020–21. India is also the major exporter of guar gum or derivatives in the international market and during 2022–23, earned valuable foreign exchange worth US $617.14 million by exporting 0.41 million tonnes (mt) of guar gum. During 2020–21 area, production and yield were reduced by 34.6%, 34.0% and 17.1%, respectively, over that of the 2010–11. The compound annual growth rate during the last five years of the decade was-12.4%, -17.5 and -5.7% for acreage, production and yield, respectively. Despite negative CAGR for area during the last twenty years, the production and yield of cluster bean increased with a CAGR of 4.5 and 5.1%. A total of 39 forage or grain type varieties of cluster bean were released and notified during 1976–2023. Varieties HG 2-20 (14.1–45.2%; 8/8) followed by RGC 1038/Guar Karan (1.4–16.7%; 8/8); HG 365 (0.3–10.0%, 8/8) and RGC 1033 (14.9–62.0%; 7/8) were the major contributors with highest frequency of occurrence in the top-most five varieties in the seed chain. Seed requirement for the next five years was assessed. Timely availability of adequate quantityof quality seed at affordable price requires holistic approach involving researchers and developmental personnel responsible for production of seed from both public and private sector.

Screening of Reference Genes under Biotic Stress and Hormone Treatment of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) by Quantitative Real-Time PCR.

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) production has been greatly threatened by numerous diseases. Infection with these pathogens causes extensive changes in gene expression and the activation of hormone signal transduction. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is the most common technique used for gene expression validation. Screening proper reference genes for mung bean under pathogen infection and hormone treatment is a prerequisite for ensuring the accuracy of qRT-PCR data in mung bean disease-resistance research. In this study, six candidate reference genes (Cons4, ACT, TUA, TUB, GAPDH, and EF1α) were selected to evaluate the expression stability under four soil-borne disease pathogens (Pythium myriotylum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani) and five hormone treatments (SA, MeJA, ETH, ABA, and GA3). In the samples from different treatments, the Ct value distribution of the six candidate reference genes was different. Under the condition of hormone treatment, the Ct value ranged from a minimum of 17.87 for EF1α to a maximum of 29.63 for GAPDH. Under the condition of pathogen infection, the Ct value ranged from a minimum of 19.43 for EF1α to a maximum of 31.82 for GAPDH. After primer specificity analysis, it was found that GAPDH was not specific, so the five reference genes Cons4, ACT, TUA, TUB, and EF1α were used in subsequent experiments. The software products GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder were used for qRT-PCR data analysis. In general, the best candidates reference genes were: TUA for SA, ABA, GA3, and Pythium myriotylum treatment; TUB for ETH treatment; ACT for MeJA and Fusarium oxysporum treatment; and EF1α for Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizoctonia solani treatment. The most stably expressed genes in all samples were TUA, while Cons4 was the least stable reference gene. Finally, the reliability of the reference gene was further validated by analysis of the expression profiles of four mung bean genes (Vradi0146s00260, Vradi0158s00480, Vradi07g23860, and Vradi11g03350) selected from transcriptome data. Our results provide more accurate information for the normalization of qRT-PCR data in mung bean response to pathogen interaction.

Effect of sulfur fertilization on the composition, functionality, and protein quality of navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

AbstractBackgroundSoil sulfur deficiency leads to reduced crop yield and quality loss, which is especially critical for pulses as sulfur is a major component of methionine and cysteine. The present research evaluated the influence of sulfur fertilization on two varieties of navy beans grown at soil sulfur levels of 17, 26, 35, and 44 kg/ha by analyzing their composition, functionality, and protein quality.ResultsIncreasing the soil application of sulfur did not affect the protein content of the test navy bean flours. Methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan were limiting, and their concentrations were not enhanced by sulfur fertilization nor was protein digestibility. The oil holding capacity and emulsion stability were different among sulfur treatments; however, no clear trend was observed.ConclusionSulfur fertilization had only a minimal effect on the quality attributes of navy beans, possibly due to a combined effect of environmental factors that limited the plant's response to sulfur supply. Despite the limited change, the findings underlined the possible role of the environment (e.g., location, crop year, and other variables) in determining the sulfur fertilization response of navy beans and provided valuable insight for researchers to further investigate the topic and optimize navy bean production and quality.

Consumption frequency for precooked bean products among households in Machakos County, Kenya

Consumption frequency for precooked bean products among households in Machakos County, Kenya

Ethnobotany of robusta coffee (coffea canephora pierre ex a. froehner) as a spiced coffee drink of the indigenous people of bale village on halmahera island

A study on inherited local knowledge of spiced coffee ethnobotany in processing coffee by the people of Bale Village is necessary to depict the sub-system coffee processing. Bale Village is situated on Halmahera Island. It is one of the villages in the Oba Sub-district, Tidore Kepulauan Regency. The village is known as a producer of coffee bean and coffee powder. This study on local knowledge is an initiative to acquire information on spiced coffee. The research design is a survey design to investigate and document the knowledge of the utilization of spice plants in coffee drinks as a traditional beverage of people in Bale Village. Data are analyzed in a qualitative-thematic manner to describe respondents’ ethnobotanical knowledge and are independent of the researcher’s assessment. The research results indicate that spiced coffee made by the villagers uses six spice plants, namely clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.), red ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl.), kara benguk (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.), and pandan (Pandanus amaryllifoliusRoxb.). Stages in the making of spiced coffee with the 5M method include: 1) determine the composition of spiced coffee, 2) grind spiced coffee beans into powder, 3) prepare water, 4) stir the spiced coffee and 5) enjoy the spiced coffee

Biochar as a soil conditioner for common bean plants

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced during organic waste pyrolysis. In this context, two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of biochar produced from rice husks and cattle manure on soil fertility and common bean production, as well as to identify the optimal dose of cattle manure biochar to be applied. The first experiment (Experiment I) was conducted according to a completely randomized design (factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 2 + 1) with six replicates: two types of biochar (cattle manure biochar and rice husk biochar), with and without acidity correction [addition of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (PA) in a proportion of 4:1 (Ca:Mg) to raise the soil base saturation to 60%], with or without the addition of 120 mg dm-3 of phosphorus (P) as ammonium phosphate, and a control treatment (without biochar, acidity correction, and P). Based on the results of Experiment I, a second experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design, with five treatments (doses of biochar from cattle manure) and four replications. Rice husk biochar, as a conditioner of soil chemical properties, had less prominent effects than cattle manure biochar. Cattle manure biochar functioned as a corrective for soil acidity and a source of nutrients (mainly phosphorus). The dose corresponding to 5.46% of the soil volume led to the maximum grain production by common bean plants.

Integrating de novo QTL-seq and linkage mapping to identify quantitative trait loci conditioning physiological resistance and avoidance to white mold disease in dry bean.

White mold (WM), caused by the ubiquitous fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating disease that limits production and quality of dry bean globally. In the present study, classic linkage mapping combined with QTL-seq were employed in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, "Montrose"/I9365-25 (M25) and "Raven"/I9365-31 (R31), with the initial goal of fine-mapping QTL WM5.4 and WM7.5 that condition WM resistance. The RILs were phenotyped for WM reactions under greenhouse (straw test) and field environments. The general region of WM5.4 and WM7.5 were reconfirmed with both mapping strategies within each population. Combining the results from both mapping strategies, WM5.4 was delimited to a 22.60-36.25 Mb interval in the heterochromatic regions on Pv05, while WM7.5 was narrowed to a 0.83 Mb (3.99-4.82 Mb) region on the Pv07 chromosome. Furthermore, additional QTL WM2.2a (3.81-7.24 Mb), WM2.2b (11.18-17.37 Mb, heterochromatic region), and WM2.2c (23.33-25.94 Mb) were mapped to a narrowed genomic interval on Pv02 and WM4.2 in a 0.89 Mb physical interval at the distal end of Pv04 chromosome. Gene models encoding gibberellin 2-oxidase proteins regulating plant architecture are likely candidate genes associated with WM2.2a resistance. Nine gene models encoding a disease resistance protein (quinone reductase family protein and ATWRKY69) found within the WM5.4 QTL interval are putative candidate genes. Clusters of 13 and 5 copies of gene models encoding cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase and receptor-like protein kinase-related family proteins, respectively, are potential candidate genes associated with WM7.5 resistance and most likely trigger physiological resistance to WM. Acquired knowledge of the narrowed major QTL intervals, flanking markers, and candidate genes provides promising opportunities to develop functional molecular markers to implement marker-assisted selection for WM resistant dry bean cultivars.

Nano-zinc and plant growth-promoting bacteria is a sustainable alternative for improving productivity and agronomic biofortification of common bean

Background and aimsNano-zinc (Zn) fertilizer is an easily adaptable and environmentally safe alternative option that can effectively improve growth, yield and biofortification of common bean. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) could promote plant growth and nutrients availability in sustainable manner. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of foliar nano-Zn application in association with seed co-inoculations of PGPBs on growth, yield, biofortification and Zn use efficiencies in common bean cultivation. Two field experiments were performed with seven co-inoculations of PGPBs and three foliar nano-Zn doses applied 50% at R5 and 50% at R8 stages of common bean to determine plant height, shoot dry matter, grain yield, Zn concentration and uptake in shoot and grains, Zn partitioning index, daily Zn intake and Zn use efficiencies for agronomic biofortification.ResultsThe combined foliar nano-Zn application and co-inoculation of R. tropici + B. subtilis enhance grain yield, leaf chlorophyll index, total protein content, grain Zn concentration and uptake, daily Zn intake, Zn use efficiency, applied Zn recovery and Zn utilization efficiency in common beans in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Foliar nano-Zn application at a dose of 1.5 kg ha−1 increased plant height, shoot dry matter, shoot Zn uptake, Zn partitioning and agro-physiological efficiency under co-inoculation with R. tropici + B. subtilis in both cropping years.ConclusionsThe treatments with foliar nano-Zn application at a dose of 1.5 ha−1 and co-inoculation with R. tropici + B. subtilis improved performance, chlorophyll index, protein content, grain yield, and Zn efficiencies that can lead to better biofortification of common bean in tropical savannah. Therefore, it is recommended that applying nano-Zn via foliar along with co-inoculation of PGPBs could be the better option for productivity and biofortification of common bean.Graphical

Gender dynamics in the biofortified bean value chain in Burundi

Biofortified beans are being promoted in Burundi to solve malnutrition issues among rural households. The study was conducted in Muyinga and Gasorwe communes, where biofortified bean varieties were disseminated. This study aims to understand gender roles and practices in households and farms and how these roles and practices influence participation and uptake of biofortified beans. Lastly, it looks at the role of extension in increasing the uptake of agricultural technologies like biofortified bean varieties. Data were collected using a mixed-method approach—focus group discussions, key informant interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics, and a probit model on STATA software. Descriptive results indicated increasing joint farm management and decision-making on bean production, with men taking the lead in markets and income accrued from the sale of crops. Despite the promotion of various improved bean varieties, only two biofortified bean varieties, MAC44 and RWR2245, were adopted by smallholder farmers. The probit results indicated that utilization of hired labor, the source of biofortified improved bean seed, total cultivated land area, decision-maker on land use, years after the first adoption, and the type of extension services sought were significant factors that influenced farmers’ use of biofortified beans varieties. Based on the study's findings, more effort is required to promote access to inclusive extension services, market and decision-making on income accrued from the sale of farm produce.

Value-Added of Processed Cocoa Seed: A Case Study In CV. Putra Mataram, Polewali Mandar Regency

The purpose of this study was to analyze the added value of processed cocoa bean products in chocolate bars and powder at CV. Putra Mataram, Poolewali Mandar Regency. This research was conducted at CV. Putra Mataram, Polewali Mandar Regency in July to August 2022. The data collection techniques used in this study were observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis method used in this research is descriptive quantitative. The data were analyzed by the Hayami method. The results showed the added value obtained by CV. Putra Mataram from processing cocoa beans into chocolate bars and cocoa powder for one production, which is IDR. 527,640, with details for chocolate bars of IDR. 406,640 and cocoa powder for IDR. 121,000. The added value and benefits obtained by CV. Putra Mataram from the processing of cocoa beans is larger than chocolate bars compared to cocoa powder. Therefore chocolate bars need to be prioritized to produce larger quantities to increase profits.

Effect of cutting management on the forage production and quality of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray)

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) is an underutilized drought tolerant annual legume, originating from the Sonoran Desert, that may be a beneficial forage/hay for beef cattle in the Southern Great Plains of the US (SGP). The SGP has erratic rainfall and periods of intermittent drought exacerbated by high summer temperatures. In 2020 and 2021, a split-plot design was used to evaluate 13 genotypes of tepary bean and a forage soybean (control) at El Reno, OK, USA to compare production of plant biomass and forage nutritive value parameters under seven harvest regimes. Genotypes were used as the main plot and cutting management as the sub-plot. Biomass production of all tepary bean genotypes equaled that of soybean (p > 0.05), while several genotypes had superior forage nutritive value traits (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, a 15-cm cutting height and 30-day harvest interval produced the best overall product (average dry biomass of 5.8 Mg ha−1 with average relative feed values (RFV) of 165). Although all harvest regimes reduced total seasonal biomass, forage nutritive value increased. However, the tradeoff between forage production and nutritive value may be unacceptable to most producers. Further agronomic and breeding research is needed to encourage producers to grow tepary bean as a forage/hay in the SGP.

Determination of purines in prepackaged food using optimum acid hydrolysis followed by high performance liquid chromatography.

A high performance liquid chromatography was established to determine purine content of prepackaged food. Chromatographic separation was performed on Agilent5 TC-C18 column. Ammonium formate (10mmol/L, pH=3.385) and methanol (99:1) were used as mobile phase. Purine concentration and peak area showed good linear relationships in the range from 1 to 40mg/L (guanine, hypoxanthine, adenine) and xanthine exhibited a good linear relationship ranged from 0.1 to 4.0mg/L. Recoveries of four purines ranged from 93.03% to 107.42%. Purine content in prepackaged food was following: animal derived prepackaged food: 16.13-90.18mg/100g; beans and bean products: 66.36-157.11mg/100g; fruits and fruit products: 5.64-21.79mg/100g; instant rice and flour products: 5.68-30.83mg/100g; fungi, algae, fungi and algae products: 32.57-70.59mg/100g. This proposed method had good precision and accuracy with a wide linear range for detection of purine. Animal derived prepackaged food was purine-rich food, purine content of plant derived prepackaged food varied greatly.

The potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants cultivation to develop the Agri-business in Mizoram

India is one of country which is known for its agricultural products and currently more than 70% population still living in rural area. India is fully blessed with different kinds of agro-climatic regions. Production wise our country is standing at second rank throughout the world. Some of agricultural products from India are very high in demand in many parts of the globe. Counting its agro-climatic regions, the North East Region (NER) is another hot spot acquired a land of agriculture as well as forest area. The each states of NER having its own peculiarity for various agro products. They used to cultivate many crops which include export level to their daily delicacy. Ginger, Turmeric, Chili, Beans and bamboo products are produced in large quantities. As per the statistics, Mizoram is the highest ginger producing state (8.4 tons/hec) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (7.9 tons/hec), Assam and Nagaland (6.99 tons/hec) among the states of NER. Apart from cultivation, 60% area of NER comes under forest cover, especially Mizoram, where more than 80% of the geographical area of the state is under forest and tree cover. Looking into the prospects of diverse agricultural land settings and forest cover including biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), Mizoram could be potential state in relation to agribusiness. There is a tremendous scope for MAPs sector in the state. Valuable MAPs like Homalomena aromatica, Alpinia galanga, Cinnamomum tamala, C. verum, Mentha arvensis, Artemisia pollens, Ocimum sanctum, Elsholtzia communis and many others are traditionally cultivated on very small scale. Thus, there is a need to introduce good agricultural practices (GAPs) for increasing the raw materials/yield to establish the agri-market in Mizoram.

Seleção de acessos de feijão-fava nos estádios verde e seco

ABSTRACT The selection of lima bean accessions in the fresh and dry stages is an excellent tool to increase crop yield in Brazil and ensure a source of vegetable protein for the population. Principal component analysis and nonparametric indices can be used to identify promising accessions based on the desired agronomic variables. The aim of the present study was to select accessions from traditional lima bean varieties in the fresh and dry stages using principal component analysis and nonparametric selection indices. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design, evaluating 13 treatments in four replicates. The experimental plot contained 20 plants in its study area. The first two principal components for the two stages explained more than 80% of the variation found among the accessions. The Mulamba & Mock and Genotype-Ideotype selection indices were efficient in classifying promising varieties for breeding programs. The UFPI 1111 accession can be used in fresh lima bean production, and its UFPI 1248 and 1294 counterparts in lima bean breeding programs.

Meminimalisir Tingkat Kecacatan Produk Biji Kopi Robusta Arjuno Pada Proses Produksi Untuk Meningkatkan Kualitas Produk

Kopikula Roastery Coffee, a producer of Robusta Arjuno coffee beans, experienced aproduction decline due to product defects. By using Statistical Process Control (SPC), the quality was analyzed, and the causes of defects were identified. The company had a low quality control level, with a defect percentage of 2.97%. Factors such as workers, methods, environment, and machinery contributed to the defects. To minimize the number of defects, standardization, improved production methods, workspace enhancements, and machinery component replacements were implemented. As a result, the defect percentage decreased to 1.84%. Kopikula Roastery Coffee is dedicated to continuously improving product quality through effective quality control measures, aiming for customer satisfaction and upholding its reputation as a producer of high-quality coffee beans.

Analisis fungsi keuntungan usahatani kacang hijau (Phaseolus ra-diatus L.) di Kabupaten Malaka Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

The cause of the low productivity of mung beans is partly due to the inefficient use of production factors, which will theoretically affect the profit level of farming. This study specifically aims to analyze the allocation of the use of production inputs and to analyze the profit function of mung bean farming. Data collection used a survey method by interviewing 52 farmers in Central Malaka District, Malaka District, East Nusa Tenggara. Data analysis used a quantitative descriptive method, through the analysis of farm costs, and analysis of the Cobb-Douglass Unit Output Price profit function. The results showed that mung bean farming was profitable with a profit rate of around 7.66 million rupiah per hectare. The allocation of farming inputs that significantly affect production are land area, seeds, and pesticides, with coefficient values ​​of 0.96, 0.56 and -0.49, respectively. Meanwhile, variable inputs that significantly affect profits are fertilizer prices, pesticide prices, and labor costs, with coefficient values ​​of -0.43, 0.43, and -0.75, respectively. These results inform several aspects: (a) increasing the area of ​​land and seeds increases production, conversely increasing the use of pesticides can reduce production and therefore it is necessary to adjust the correct dosage, (b) the use of fertilizers is not significant to production caused by the application dose is too low, ( c) the use of labor is not significant to production and its addition reduces profits, so it needs to be more efficient in its use by prioritizing the quality of the workforce.

Economic Analysis of Production and Processing of Cluster Bean in Southern Haryana: A Review

The present study was carried out with the objectives to work out costs and returns in cultivation of cluster bean, to study the economics of cluster bean processing units and to identify various constraints faced by farmers and processers in production and processing of cluster bean in Southern Haryana. The study was based on primary data. A total of 80 farmers were interviewed to gather all the desired information. The per hectare cost of cluster bean cultivation was found to be ₹40241 and ₹44553 in Bhiwani and Mahendargarh district, respectively. On an average, the per hectare gross and net returns obtained from the cultivation of cluster bean in Bhiwani district were ₹49002 and ₹8758. The corresponding figures for Mahendargarh district were worked out to be ₹52732 and ₹8178, respectively. The B:C ratio for cluster bean cultivation was worked out to be 1.21 for Bhiwani & 1.18 for Mahendargarh district. On an average total cost of processing guar into guar gum was worked out to be ₹6408.78 per quintal of output. Cluster bean processing plants incurred a profit of ₹204 per quintal on average basis during the year 2020-21 with gross and net returns of ₹6484.42 lakh and ₹200.35 lakh, respectively. The B:C ratio was worked out to be 1.03 for processing units of cluster bean in Southern Haryana. The results of a survey conducted to learn about the problems faced by farmers in the production and by processors in the processing of cluster bean revealed that weeds, high labor costs, high plant protection chemical costs, disease, aphids in the crop, scarcity of labor, and a lack of quality seeds and improved varieties were the major constraints faced by farmers in the production of cluster bean in the study area. Huge fuel costs, huge losses during transportation from field to factory Power shortages, under-utilization of existing capacity, excessive sales taxes, and a lack of government price policies were the major obstacles that processors faced in the processing of cluster bean seeds in the study area.

Boundary line analysis and machine learning models to identify critical soil values for major crops in Guatemala

AbstractAccurate and economically sound soil fertility recommendations are critical for ensuring profitable food production for smallholder farmers. However, such recommendations are lacking in many areas due to insufficient soil and crop response data. This study was conducted between 2016 and 2022 using boundary line analysis to evaluate crop response to soil fertility on 644 farms in Guatemala. We identify optimal soil property conditions for maize (Zea mays L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and coffee (Coffea arabica L.) production in Guatemala and use crop price information to develop economically sound fertilization recommendations. We also analyzed the drivers of yield outcomes and assessed their relative importance with machine learning (ML) models. Results demonstrate that a majority of country‐level data currently have sub‐optimal soil nutrient levels and by optimizing nutrients, yields and profits could be improved in 64%, 51%, and 69% of maize, common bean, and coffee crops, respectively. In addition, ML underscored the central role of climate in shaping yield outcomes. Variable importance rankings from random forest indicated climate and water balance variables increased predictive accuracy more than soil parameters, highlighting the critical need for climate‐smart adaptations in the region. The pairing of boundary line with ML analysis provided unique and complementary information about factors that drive yield of major crops in Guatemala. This is an effective approach for developing fertility recommendations in Guatemala and could be replicated in other countries where critical nutrient recommendations are currently lacking for closing yield gaps and identifying yield response to climatic stochasticity.

Optimizing snap bean production under salt-affected soil via compost, selenium and cobalt

Optimizing snap bean production under salt-affected soil via compost, selenium and cobalt