Snap / Pole Bean

(Rates based on “Per 1,000 Square Feet” – Irrigated)

Green beans grow best with soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, and they are relatively heavy users of potassium.  Beans are generally a cooler season crop, and summer temperatures above 90 degrees with often result in poor pod set, or improper, somewhat pithy pod fill.  As a result green beans are usually grown as a late spring and early summer crop.  They can also be grown successfully as a fall crop.  Proper irrigation, and timely applications of materials to aid with environmental stress (SiPhite, other silicon-based products such as SiMag 58 and SiGuard, Siguard L, as well as the biostimulant MetaboliK HV-1, and BioTerra Green) will aid in reducing the negative effects of high temperatures.  A Very significant aspect of the ISP recommendations  are designed to aid the plant during weather stress.

It should be noted that this program is presented as a guideline only based upon research and experiences with a number of growers.  With the wide variances possible from both soil types and environmental conditions present during any particular season, your actual recommendation can vary from what is presented.  It is always advisable to discuss actual management practices with your local ISP specialist.

Dry or Bulk Fertilizer: It is recommended to collect a soil sample and have it analyzed to determine the native fertility of your soil.  This will aid in determining what bulk nutrients need to be applied to your soil, helping to ensure an outstanding crop.  Nutrient requirements across the 50 to 60 day cropping cycle will range from 40 to 80 units of nitrogen, 80 to 90 units of P2O5, and from 130 to 140 units of K2O per acre.  In addition, ensure that soil magnesium and calcium level are sufficient.

Beans are a legume, and as such have the capability of producing a portion of their nitrogen requirements.  Even so, during the first several weeks following emergences the nodules infecting the root have yet to develop, so there will be no N fixation taking place.  As with all crops, a quick start, and aggressive early growth I a strong benefit, and as such we do recommend some early applied nitrogen to aid the plant in growing an aggressive plant frame (size) prior to reproduction.

Apply 60% to 70% (25-30 units of N, along with necessary P and K) of the recommend dry fertilizer prior to planting and incorporate into the seeding area.  The balance of nutrient should be fertigated through the irrigation system.  Fertigation should begin within 10 days to two weeks following emergence.

Growth Stimulant: Preplant broadcast or band over the rows, per 1,000 square feet – 2 teaspoons MetaboliK HV-1, and 4 – 8 teaspoons PhytoGro Xtra.  If growing on plastic apply prior to laying of plastic, and either perform a shallow incorporation or use enough water to soak products into the soil.

Starter (Pop-up) Solution: 1/4 pound 10-45-10, 1/2 fluid ounces (1.5 teaspoons) of MetaboliK SB and 10 grams TifiMax.  Fertigate or water all new plantings in thoroughly with this solution.

NOTE: Snap beans are grown commercially for machine harvest, and there has been significant researching the use of tissue testing for optimal production.  Consult with your tissue testing laboratory for their instructions as to collecting a tissue sample.   (Generally, most labs require the most recent mature leaves for a proper test sample.)

Pole bean growers can follow these same recommendations, but pole beans usually have longer cropping cycle.  Pole beans that either cease or slow the settings of pods in the heat of summer will begin to reset pods as temperatures cool with the onset of fall.  These late season beans are often some of the best flavored of the season.

Once beans have emerged follow the recommendations below.  Timing of weeks is based upon “after general emergence”, not after planting, or the earliest emergence.

ISP Soluble Plant Foods
Week	Recommended Per 1,000 Square Feet	Other notes, micronutrients, Ca, Mg
1		Allow plants to complete emergence and become established.  If necessary, thin plants to proper spacing (population).
2	1 pound 9-14-24 1 pound 28-16-7 1 ounce SiMag 58	Foliar apply 1 teaspoon MetaboliK HV-1, 1 tablespoon 4-18-38, and ½ teaspoon SiMag 58 – per gallon of foliar solution. This can be mixed with your standard leaf spot/insect management products.
3	1 pound 9-14-24 1 pound 28-16-7	Foliar apply 16 fluid ounces SiPhite over the rows.  If broadcasting, apply 32 fluid ounces.  Repeat in three weeks.
4	1 pound 9-14-24 1 pound 28-16-7 32-64 fluid ounces BioTerra Green (BioTerra Green can be applied either drip or foliar).	Repeat week 2 foliar. Tissue test the plants to determine any potential nutrient imbalances.
5	2 pounds 4-18-38 1 ounce SiMag 58	Correct nutritional deficiencies through fertigation application. Foliar 32 fluid ounces SiPhite.
6 – weekly thru harvest being complete	2 pounds 4-18-38 1 ounce SiMag 58	Continue “Week 2” foliar weekly.

Apply MetaCal or CalStore through the fertigation system weekly hen not applying any P containing nutrients.  Fill irrigation lines with water, inject CalStore or MetaCal, then flush lines with clear water.  This will ensure that no clogging precipitates are formed and that your developing fruit get plenty of Ca in balance with Mg.

Once hand harvest is completed, there is the possibility of repairing vegetative damage and encouraging the plants to continue to grow.  If this is desired, apply 4 pounds 2-16-7, 4 teaspoons MetaCal and 1 teaspoon of MetaboliK HV-1.  Although repairing the plants in order to have a fall crop is possible, it is often easier to make a second planting in late July/Early August for your fall crop.