Agronomy of peas and beans

Peas and beans have specific requirements for successful crop establishment, growth and yield of high-quality produce. Whilst there are many similarities in agronomy, particularly between peas and , the requirements for Phaseolus beans are not too dissimilar. The successful management of crops is dependent on a number of factors, including the use of high-quality seed, providing a suitable location and soil conditions for sowing and the supply of adequate nutrients and moisture to maintain growth. In addition, crops must be protected from weed competition and pests and diseases. This chapter discusses the seed establishment, plant population, sowing rate and date, as well as nutrient and water requirements of peas, and Phaseolus. Although peas and beans have little requirement for the addition of nitrogen fertilizer, the use of inoculants for crops grown in soils with an absence of rhizobia is a further consideration. Peas and beans are very drought sensitive and water requirements and applications either by natural means or by irrigation can be critical.