Regenerative Organic Dry Bean Production in the Northeast

Full-Length Research Trial Reports:

Black Bean Seeding Rate Trial

2022 + 2023 Organic Black Bean Seeding Rate Trial (New York and Vermont sites): BBSR-Final-Report_Till-and-No-Till

Market Class x Tillage Trial

2023 VT Market Class x Tillage Trial - 2023_Dry_Bean_Variety_X_Tillage_Trial

Variety Trial

2022 VT and NY Dry Bean Variety Trial Report: 2022-NY-VT-Organic-Dry-Bean-Variety-Trial_final

2022 Organic Dry Bean Variety Trial (VT only):  2022_Organic_Dry_Bean_Variety_Trial_Report

2023 Organic Dry Bean Variety Trial (VT Only): 2023_Organic_Dry_Bean_Variety_Trial_Report_Final

2023 Dry Bean Variety Trial - all sites:2023 Variety Trial Results

2024 VT Market Class x Tillage Trial - 2024-No-tillage-and-dry-bean-variety-trial-report

Research Highlights

Black Bean Seeding Rate Trial -- Cultivated and Organic No-Till systems

Effect of black bean seeding rate on black bean density

Figure 1. Effect of black bean seeding rate (seeds/ac) on black bean density (plants/ac) in no-till and tilled system in (a) Alburgh, VT and (b) Aurora, NY pooled over 2022 and 2023. The red lines and data points represent the no-till trials and the tilled trials are denoted in blue as indicated by the legend. The dashed black lines indicate expected germination at 89% based on seed tag information for black bean (cv. “Zorro”).

Across both sites, tilled systems outperformed no-till in terms of black bean density establishment. As seeding rates increased across both sites and tillage systems, black bean density also increased (P < 0.001). However, the observed densities increasingly deviated from the target density at higher seeding rates. No-till exhibited a greater deviation from the target density compared to tilled systems. In Aurora, the difference in density between the two management systems was more pronounced than in Alburgh.

Effect of black bean density on weed biomass

Figure 2. Effect of black bean density (plants/ac) on weed biomass (lbs/ac) in no-till and tilled system in (a) Alburgh, VT and (b) Aurora, NY pooled over 2022 and 2023. The red lines and data points represent the no-till trials and the tilled trials are denoted in blue as indicated by the legend.

As the density of black beans increased, weed biomass exhibited a non-linear decline (Figure 2). However, the impact of black bean density on weed suppression was stronger in tilled systems. In both Alburgh and Aurora, tilled trials showed a sharp initial decrease in weed biomass with increasing density while no-till treatments exhibited a more gradual decline. While a significant reduction in weed biomass was observed with increasing black bean density in the tilled trials across both sites (P < 0.001), only the Alburgh no-till trials showed a statistically significant decline (P < 0.05).

Effect of black bean density on black bean yield

Figure 3. Effect of black bean density (plants/ac) on black bean yield (lbs/ac) in no-till and tilled system in (a) Alburgh, VT and (b) Aurora, NY pooled over 2022 and 2023. The red lines and data points represent the no-till trials and the tilled trials are denoted in blue as indicated by the legend. Black bean yield was adjusted to 14% moisture.

In Alburgh, black bean yield ranged from 2,025 lbs/ac to 4,306 lbs/ac in the tilled and 496 lbs/ac to 4,171 lbs/ac in the no-till. In Aurora, black bean yield ranged from 1,508 lbs/ac to 3,682 lbs/ac in the tilled and 461 lbs/ac to 2,862 lbs/ac in the no-till. As black bean density increased, black bean yield increased asymptotically in both sites and management systems. However, the maximum achievable yield was different in each site and management system. In Alburgh, the maximum yield was predicted to be 2,887 lbs/ac in the no-till trials (P < 0.001), while the tilled trials had a higher predicted maximum yield at 3,685 lbs/ac (P < 0.001). The average yield across black bean densities for Alburgh was 2,336 lbs/ac in the no-till trials and 3,481 lbs/ac for tilled trials. In Aurora, the maximum yield was predicted to be 1,874 lbs/ac in the no-till trials (P < 0.001), while the tilled trials had a higher predicted maximum yield at 2,717 lbs/ac (P < 0.001).

Effect of black bean seeding rate on partial returns

Figure 4. Effect of black bean seeding rate (seeds/ac) on partial profitability ($/ac) in no-till and tilled system in (a) Alburgh, VT and (b) Aurora, NY pooled over 2022 and 2023. The red lines and data points represent the no-till trials and the tilled trials are denoted in blue as indicated by the legend. Vertical lines denote the recommended seeding rate for conventional black bean production at 30-inch-wide rows (120,000 seeds/ac, dashed line), and the predicted economically optimal seeding rate for each respective site and tillage system (solid line).

Table 4. Profitability characteristics for Alburgh, VT and Aurora, NY in 2022 and 2023 by site and tillage system.

*Conventional seeding rate was denoted at 120,000 seeds/ac

In conventional black bean production, growers typically plant at a seeding rate no greater than 120,000 seeds/ac. In organic tilled black bean systems, results from both Alburgh and Aurora indicate that maximum partial returns were achieved at seeding rates exceeding 200,000 seeds/ac with gains in partial returns up to $445/ac relative to the conventional seeding rate (Table 4). In organic no-till black bean systems, profitability was maximized at seeding rates greater than 210,000 seeds/ac across sites with corresponding gains in partial returns up to $318/ac compared to the conventional seeding rate.

Discussion

Higher seeding rates in organic black bean production serve multiple functions, particularly in no-till systems with rolled-crimped cereal rye. While increasing seeding rates beyond 120,000 seeds/ac resulted in only modest yield gains, our profitability analysis suggests that the optimal seeding rate exceeds 200,000 seeds/ac. This recommendation is driven by two key factors: (1) stand establishment challenges, particularly in no-till systems, and (2) the price premium associated with organic black beans.

The price premium for certified organic black bean significantly influences the economic viability of higher seeding rates. In 2023, organic food-grade black beans were priced at $0.63/lb, approximately 1.5 times higher than conventional black beans ($0.40/lb). As a result, very high seeding rates may not be justified in conventional black bean production, where increased seed costs may not be offset by higher returns.

Although partial return estimates from this analysis were higher in tilled systems, profitability comparisons between tillage systems should be interpreted with caution. This analysis did not account for several field management costs, including fuel and labor associated with roller-crimping, seedbed preparation, or cultivation, nor did it include the cost of cereal rye seed in the no-till system. Potential long-term benefits of no-till management, such as improved soil health, soil structure, and erosion control, were also not captured in this partial budget analysis. While no-till systems may offer labor and time savings, this evaluation focused solely on black bean seed costs and seeding rates. No-till black bean production remains a viable option, particularly if challenges related to crop establishment and fertility management can be addressed. Future research should focus on strategies to reduce stand losses and optimize nitrogen management in organic no-till black bean systems.

Key Takeaways:

1. Higher seeding rates (>200,000 seeds/ac) compensate for establishment challenges in no-till systems.

2. Increased plant densities improve weed suppression, reducing reliance on tillage and cultivation.

3. Profitability is strongly influenced by the organic price premium, making higher seeding rates a viable strategy in organic systems.

4. Organic no-till systems require further optimization to match the productivity and profitability of tilled systems.

Market class x Tillage Trial

2023  Results:

Discussion

Both New York and Vermont sites experienced a generally wet early season in 2023, with abnormally wet weather enduring throughout the 2023 season in Vermont, whereas New York site experienced abnormally dry weather in summer and fall.  Across sites, relative performance of market class between no till and tillage systems was variable. At both sites, there was not a clear trend in emergence rate amongst classes when no-till and tillage systems were compared, though harvest population was generally higher in tillage systems across all market classes except for pinto. Relative yield performance was generally better in no-till systems in New York in 2023 due to poor emergence and weed control in the tilled plots, whereas yields were higher in the tillage system for all market classes at the Vermont site in 2023, as well as both sites in 2024.

Dry Bean Variety Trial

Year 1 cultivated and no-till, Year 2 cultivated only

Organic variety trials were conducted in two Northeastern locations (Aurora, NY and Alburgh, VT) to evaluate alternative market classes to better understand variation in adaptation across a range of Northeastern environments. Little evaluation of alternative market classes has taken place in the Northeast in recent decades despite the increase in consumer demand. Consumers are interested in these alternative market classes (such as navy, small red, pink, pinto, great northern, cranberry, yellow, and heirloom/specialty) for their distinct culinary characteristics and visual appeal. Entries were chosen based on feedback from local stakeholders to identify varieties with high market demand and value as well as for agronomic performance (Table 1).

Organic variety trials were conducted in two Northeastern locations (Aurora, NY and Alburgh, VT) to evaluate alternative market classes to better understand variation in adaptation across a range of Northeastern environments. Little evaluation of alternative market classes has taken place in the Northeast in recent decades despite the increase in consumer demand. Consumers are interested in these alternative market classes (such as navy, small red, pink, pinto, great northern, cranberry, yellow, and heirloom/specialty) for their distinct culinary characteristics and visual appeal. Entries were chosen based on feedback from local stakeholders to identify varieties with high market demand and value as well as for agronomic performance (Table 1).

Table 1a. Organic dry bean varieties evaluated in Alburgh, VT, 2022.

Table 1b. Organic dry bean varieties evaluated in Geneva, NY, 2022.

Organic dry bean variety trials in a tilled system were conducted at both NY and VT locations. At the NY location, the variety trial was replicated in both a tilled and an organic no-till system. The organic no-till system entails planting cereal rye the previous fall, and terminating standing cereal rye at anthesis using a front-mounted I&J roller crimper at time of dry bean planting, creating a crimped cereal rye mulch that persists throughout the growing season.

The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications (Table 2). All soil fertility deficiencies were addressed prior to planting in accordance with state and regional soil test results. For the no-till variety trial, cereal rye (ND Gardner) was planted at the Geneva, NY location on 11-Sep 2021 at a rate of 160 lbs ac^-1 (3 million pure live seeds ac^-1). Prior to cover crop planting, 5-4-3 dry poultry manure was applied at a rate of 1,000 lbs ac^-1. In the tilled system, primary and secondary tillage were used to prepare an adequate seedbed for dry bean planting. Dry beans were planted on 31-May 2022 at the Alburgh, VT location, and on 15-Jun 2022 at the Geneva, NY location. At planting, 25 lbs N ac^-1 were applied as starter fertilizer. Dry beans were planted in 30-in rows at a depth of 1.5 to 2.5-in. Plant populations were based on seed size and market class and adjusted for germination. Small seeded varieties were planted at a target seeding rate of 110,000 pure live seeds ac^-1 and large seeded varieties were planted at a target seeding rate of 85,000 pure live seeds ac^-1. Weeds were managed before and after dry bean emergence according to best organic practices.

Table 2. Management details for dry bean variety trials at both trial locations, 2022.

Growth habit was assessed, and each variety was given a rating according to the growth habit classifications for dry beans, described in Table 2 below. Days to maturity was measured by recording the date at which most plants in each plot had reached maturity (growth stage R9: mature, at least 80% of the pods showing yellow and mostly ripe, only 30-40% of leaves still green). Growth habit classification for organic dry bean varieties for both locations are listed in Table 3 below. Statistical analysis was not conducted on growth habit.

Table 3. Growth habit classifications for dry beans.

Table 3a. Growth habits of organic dry bean varieties evaluated in Alburgh, VT 2022.

Table 3a. Growth habits and average 100-seed weight of organic dry bean varieties evaluated in Aurora, NY 2022.

Plants were harvested about 5 days after 95% of pods were brown or yellow. At the Alburgh, VT location, dry beans were harvested on 9, 15, and 21-Sep 2022 due to differences in harvest maturity between varieties. At the Geneva, NY location, all varieties were harvested on 26-Oct 2022. At harvest, pod height, lodging, and yield were assessed. Evaluations were done within two 1-m representative row lengths per plot from the center two rows. Pod height is the distance (cm) from the soil surface to the bottom of the lowest pod from 5 randomly selected plants in each of the two 1-m row lengths. Plots were given a lodging score on a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 means almost all plants are erect and 5 means all planted are down. Then all plants were removed and counted from the two 1-m row lengths and dried for 7 days at 60°C.  Plants were then threshed to obtain and record seed yield. Seed moisture at time was adjusted to 14% moisture.

Results

Weather data were recorded with a Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 weather station, equipped with a WeatherLink data logger at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT (Table X). The 2022 growing was cooler than normal with above average rainfall. There was a total of 20.53 inches of precipitation from June to September, 5 inches above average. The cooler temperatures resulted in a total of 2,106 accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDDs), 139 less than normal. The wet field conditions were challenging for timely weed management and mechanical cultivation, resulting in increased weed pressure especially later in the season.

Table X. Weather data for Alburgh, VT, 2022.

Based on weather data from a Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 with WeatherLink data logger.

Historical averages are for 30 years of NOAA data (1991-2020) from Burlington, VT.

Table. Weather data for Aurora, NY, 2022.

Based on weather data from Musgrave Research Station weather station and 30 yr averages from Northeast RCC CLIMOD2

The results of the organic dry bean variety trial at the Alburgh, VT location are listed below in Table 4. The top performers for each metric are in bold and any variety that was not statistically different (p=0.10) are marked with an asterisk (*). The earliest maturing variety was UC Southwest Gold, reaching R9 stage 85 days after planting. This was not statistically different from five other varieties, Cayenne, Desert Song, GTS 1701, California Early, and Merlot. The varieties Dr Wood, Soldier, UC Andino, UCD Holstein, and UCD Jacobs Cattle took the longest to mature, reaching R9 stage 113 days after planting, almost a month after the earliest maturing variety. At harvest, UCD Holstein had the highest population, 86,301 plants ac^-1, and that was not significantly different from eleven dry bean varieties. Dry bean yield at 14% moisture ranged from 569 lbs ac^-1 (Calypso) to 3,451 lbs ac^-1 (Blizzard). The top performer was not statistically different from nineteen dry bean varieties. The trial average score for lodging at harvest was 2.28, and the variety Desert Song had the most lodging with a score of 4.50, indicating that nearly all the plants were completely horizontal. This was not statistically different from nine other varieties. There was an average pod height of 3.30-cm. Zenith had the greatest pod height, 7.80-cm, and was not statistically different from eleven varieties.

Table 4. Organic dry bean variety trial performance summary, Alburgh, VT, 2022.

¹ Days after planting

² Lodging scale- 1= almost all plants erect, 2= either all plants leaning slightly or a few plants down, 3= either all plants leaning moderately (45°angle) or 25-50% down, 4= either all plants leaning considerably or 50-80% down, 5= all plants down

Table. Organic dry bean variety trial performance summary, Aurora, NY, 2022 – Tilled Trial.

Table. Organic dry bean variety trial performance summary, Aurora, NY, 2022 – Organic No-Till Trial.

Discussion

At the Alburgh, VT location despite cool, wet conditions during the growing season, many of the dry bean varieties included performed well. Days to maturity ranged from 85 to 113 day after planting. The cool, wet conditions made timely weed management challenging especially as the dry beans approached harvest maturity. Weed pressure was not measured in this trial but did result in some yield loss for varieties that had poor emergence. For example, Calypso (specialty/heirloom), a late maturing variety, had significant weed pressure resulting in low yields. Top yielding varieties ranged from early to late maturing varieties indicating that varieties with a range of maturities can achieve good seed yields in northern Vermont.  The lowest yielding varieties were all specialty/heirloom varieties. The top yielding varieties were navy and black bean varieties, but specialty varieties like UCD 1004 and UCD Jacobs Cattle had comparable yields.

At the Aurora, NY location periods of cool weather in June may have resulted in poor emergence and lower plant populations in the organic no-till trial. Drier than normal June and July followed by above average precipitation in August and September caused many varieties, particularly in the tilled trial, to put on new vegetative growth and flowers later in the season, causing excessive vining and uneven maturity. As a result, harvest was delayed until late October due to delayed dry down in many plots.  Despite these anomalies,  yields were overall high in the tilled trial. Yields were significantly lower in the organic no-till trial, in part due to much lower plant populations for most varieties. Weed pressure was low in the tilled trial and moderate to high in the organic no-till plots.

Alburgh VT Trials (2023):

Freeville NY Trials (2023)