Fertilizing Dry Beans

Abstract

• Legumes, such as dry beans, fix a portion of their nitrogen needs from the atmosphere, thus nitrogen fertilizers may not be needed if soil tests indicate adequate residual nitrate-nitrogen.
• Apply nitrogen fertilizers at rates based on a valid soil test result.
• Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient for dry beans in Colorado.
• Apply phosphate fertilizers at rates based on soil test results. Band applications at planting are more efficient than broadcast applications.
• Most Colorado soils contain sufficient potassium and sulfur for bean production. Some irrigation waters contain sulfate-sulfur that helps supply the crop’s sulfur needs.