To maximize dry bean production, weed control is critical. Most dry beans are grown using row crop equipment on 22 inch spacing (some wider at 30 inches). The usual practice is to use pre-emergent and in-crop herbicide applications to control weeds. Cultivating the soil early supplements weed control, aerates the soil, and prepares the field for the undercutting harvest operation.
In-row cultivation is generally practiced using a twopass system. The first cultivation occurs after the post-emergent herbicide is applied and target weeds are dying and beginning to dry down. This first pass starts the hill formation, kills and or buries weed seedlings, and aerates the plants. “S” tine cultivators with small sweeps or single-shank cultivators are
commonly used. Most growers also have a narrow ripper drawn about six inches deep in the row centre. “Dammer dikers” can also be used following the ripper to assist with water infiltration.
The second pass will generally occur a week to 10 days later but definitely before the rows fill in. Late cultivation causes excessive root pruning that stresses the plants and decreases yield. The hilling operation is completed during this pass, generally using special hilling shovels. The ripper will also be lowered another twoinches. Ripping has been shown to significantly increase yields. With these cultivations, growers are attempting to form a conical ridge at the base of the plants. This is to ease undercutting as well as
prevent collection of water and flower petals at the base of the plant, which can facilitate the development of sclerotinia.
Bean plants that are partially covered by soil during these operations are greatly delayed in maturity. Different types of shields, rolling or stationary, are used to prevent burying the plants. This also allows for faster operating speeds.
The increase in irrigated acres in Saskatchewan presents a great opportunity to increase bean production. Compared to lentils, peas, chickpeas and fababeans, beans are the most-consumed pulse crop in the world.
By Garth Weiterman, PAg
Manager, Agronomy Services
and
Dale Risula, PAg
Provincial Specialist, Special Crops