Be guided by soil condition down in the seedbed rather than just on top. While early planting was traditionally regarded as beneficial with beans, Teagasc research has found higher yields on occasions with March planting, indicating the importance of good seedbed conditions.

Fertility is very important for beans.

Soil pH needs to be up close to seven and P and K should be put down with the seed on Index 1 and 2 soils. This can be even more important for strip-till planting. P and K requirement depends on soil fertility, with recommended rates of 50, 40 20 or 0 kgP/ha and 125, 50, 40 or 0 kgK/ha at soil Index 1, 2, 3 or 4 levels respectively.

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Beans can be planted via plough or strip-till and the latter could provide a more timely option. Deep planting (10-12cm) is important to prevent crow damage and it may also help early growth. Seed rate should be driven by seed number and seed size. Make sure that your seed source is free of ascochyta and bean stem nematode. The aim should be to establish 30 to 35 seeds/m2.

Recent Teagasc research indicates little benefit in going above 30 seeds/m2 and that early March planting produced higher yields than late January. This seems to emphasise the need for good seedbed conditions, both during and after planting.

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