Dry bean harvesting must be considered in terms of an overall harvest system. Paying close attention to crop and equipment needs will usually result in earlier harvesting, higher quality and optimum yields. Dry bean harvest management must focus on maintaining seed quality for edible markets. Earth-tag (soil stains on seed), general seed stains, cracking of the seed coat, and splits, can result in lower grades. Harvest losses due to pod shatter or inability to access lower pods can result in yield loss. Maximizing quality and minimizing losses are important goals during harvest.
![Dry Bean Harvesting - Alberta Pulse Growers (1) Dry Bean Harvesting - Alberta Pulse Growers (1)](https://i0.wp.com/albertapulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Field-of-Dry-beans-Ready-to-be-Harvested-300x225.jpg)
Pre-Harvest Considerations | |
FIELD MONITORING |
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CROP MATURITY |
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PRESENCE OF WEED CONTROL |
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PRE-HARVEST AIDS (GLYPHOSATE) |
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KEEP IT CLEAN |
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DesiccationChemical desiccation is used to burn off crop foliage and weeds, and can be very effective for dry bean. | |
WHEN TO USE CHEMICAL DESICCATION |
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BENEFITS OF DESICCATION |
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HOW TO APPLY |
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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS |
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Harvest SystemsSystem options tend to revolve around two basic concepts:
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UNDERCUTTING |
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WINDROWING |
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SWATHING |
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COMBINING |
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COMBINE SETTINGS |
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Dry Bean Straw ManagementWestern Canadian research into the nutritive levels and value of dry bean straw is limited, but it is believed that dry bean straw has considerable nutrient value when used as an alternative feed source and as a nutrient when returned to the soil. | |
BENEFITS OF LEAVING DRY BEAN STRAW ON THE FIELD |
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VALUE AS A FEED SOURCE |
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RESOURCES
- Agriculture Labs For Seed, Soil, Plant and Disease Diagnostics
- Dry Bean Growth Staging Guide
- Narrow-Row Dry Bean Production
- Harvest Tips for Dry Beans
- Harvest Aid Herbicides for Pulses
LINKS
Special thanks to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers.