Dry Bean Production in a Direct Seeding System

Jim Flath

Rosthern, SK

Introduction

Thank you to the SSCA (maybe I should reserve that comment until after the presentation) for allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences on Dry Bean production. I must admit it feels a bit strange to be giving, rather then receiving the presentation.

The SSCA approached me at Seager Wheeler Seeding Trends (a little local plug) back in June 1999, to see if I would be interested in sharing my experiences as a direct seeder and a rookie bean producer. Not only was I completely caught off-guard, but I found my mouth saying one thing and my brain thinking another. The more I thought about it, the more the concept seemed quite humorous. Having seeded only ten days previous, and not really knowing what to expect, gave the potential for this presentation to last anywhere between two and twenty minutes. Well.... it turns out that the latter is closer.

All kidding aside, I am honoured to have the opportunity to share my experiences of dry bean production from the point of view of a direct seeder. Having made it through the first year relatively unscathed, except maybe for my ego, I feel confident that bean production has a place on my farm.

My intention is not to provide you with all the answers, but to raise a few questions and hopefully provide some helpful information to make the transition on your farm a little easier. I believe that the sharing of information is one of our most valuable farm management tools.

My formal introduction to dry bean production dates backed to the winter of 1999. A group of area farmers were assembled by our local seed producer and asked by pulse crop breeder, Dr. Bert Vandenburg, to consider growing small 5-acre plots. I must admit my lack of knowledge and past stories of harvesting nightmares from previous attempts to grow beans, increased my level of skepticism. However, the presentation from Dr. Vandenburg, followed by several hours of surfing the net, convinced me that the current methods of bean production could fit successfully into my direct seeding system.

Currently, my father and I farm 2000 acres south and west of Rosthern in the Black soil zone. Direct seeding came in the form of transition from pulse crops only in 1993 to all crops in a continuous cropping rotation by 1995. Currently, we use a four-year rotation of Canola-Cereal-Pulse (primarily peas)-Cereal. The rotation is occasionally extended to five years when flax is grown.

The move to direct seeding brings an abundance of farm management challenges with it. Since I began direct seeding, the hours I have saved on my tractor have been spent in front of a computer screen analyzing spreadsheets and various economic indicators, trying to improve my bottom line. Many of the elements that determine our profit margin are out of our control (global commodity pricing, rising input costs, and of course.... the weather). Therefore, I consider reducing my production risk through diversifying crop rotations; a positive farm management tool. Bean production allows me to diversify pulse crops without deviating from my overall rotation.

Factors To Be Considered For Bean Production in a Direct Seeding System

The following is a brief overview of some factors and production practices I've taken into account when introducing bean production to direct seeding.

1. Agronomics.

Similar to field peas. Large seed size and late seeding dates (last week in May) - benefit from retained moisture and residue cover of no pre-tillage. Similar chemical requirements to field peas. Beans would not require major deviation from my current rotations. Improved soil characteristics reduce the likelihood of standing water. Beans will not tolerate saturated soils for extended periods of time.

2. Economics
   • Higher input costs, but also potential for higher returns.
   • No additional equipment required.
   • pulse crop diversification
   • Northern grainbelt's answer to chickpeas??

3. Variety improvement

Pulse Crop breeders have developed varieties with shorter growing seasons, improved pod clearance, and overall improved harvestability.

4. Seeding Dates

Beans are recommended to be seeded during the last week of May. This tends to reduce some of the seeding pressure. If seeded prior to these dates, it increases the possibility of damage from a spring frost. The seedlings growing point is located above the ground surface.

Production Practices For 1999

The following is a brief overview of the equipment and production practices I instituted for dry bean production in 1999.

Changes for 2000

1. In-crop chemicals. Incorporate the use of Odyssey or Pursuit. Broader spectrum of weed control, season long control, more cost effective.
2. Try a brush-type lifter on swather or flex header to reduce cutting losses.
3. Increase seeding rate by 10 or 15%. Increase plant density for weed competition without augmenting disease environment.
4. Consider other bean varieties - earlier maturity, harder seed coats, market conditions

Production Issues

During the course of the growing season I've encountered several issues with respect to bean production. Some of these are currently being addressed while others need additional attention. I think it is important that a potential grower be made aware.

1. Seed handling - Due to the shape and size of the bean, augers and some air delivery systems (air seeders) have the potential to cause severe seed damage. Seed moisture should be around 18% to minimize damage. This may require adding moisture prior to seeding. Damage also occurs during harvest. Run cylinder or rotor speeds as low as possible. Throttle down during unloading. Grain bins equipped with bean ladders have been successful in minimizing seed damage.
2. Limited chemical choice - Currently, Basagran and Edge are the two choices for broadleaf weed control. Weak on control of Wild Buckwheat. I understand Odyssey and Pursuit are up for registration. Given the poor crop competition from beans, this would be an improvement. Grassy weed control is not a concern. Many of the same chemicals applied to field peas can be applied to field beans.
3. Harvesting - My experience with swathing was not what I expected. The swather could not cut low enough to avoid clipping pods that were located at ground level. Dr. Vandenburg mentioned there has been some experimenting with a brush-type lifter that lifts the pods above the cutter bar. A flex header would be the cutter of choice for land that has rolling topography. Rotor or cylinder speeds should be kept to a minimum. Try harvesting with the combine at 3/4 throttle.

Production Tips

Now that I have one full season under my belt there are several issues and experiences that I feel I should pass on to potential producers. I hope they will save you some time and grief. Many of these are not specific to direct seeding, however they should be recognized.

1. Variety selection - tailor to your growing season. Prefer a determinant bush type with good pod clearance. Increased harvestability.
2. Field Selection - very important. Beans do not tolerate wet soils. Saturated soils will stunt, delay maturity, or even kill the crop. Choose a relatively flat piece of land. Makes harvest easier since harvest equipment will follow ground contour. Beans are also susceptible to sclerotina. Fields with a recent history of sclerotina susceptible crops should be avoided.
3. Field Rolling - should be completed prior to emergence. Once the beans have emerged rolling will knock off the cotyledon, killing the plant.
4. Herbicide History - extremely important - field beans are extremely sensitive to a number of herbicide residues. Check chemical crop guide (i.e. Manitoba agriculture's web site)

For Additional Information:

Dr. Bert Vandenburg, Crop Development Centre

Manitoba Agriculture web site: www.gov.mb.ca

All The Best in 2000!!!