Arable crops

If you’re growing winter beans it is likely, in part, for the gains in nitrogen. In order to get the most out of a pulse crop it is important to build a crop nutrition strategy that helps increase nodulation wherever possible. Legumes rely on their root nodules as a nitrogen source for growth and development, therefore ensuring good nodulation and their survival is crucial.

The ‘nitrogen-fixing nodules’ are the result of the symbiosis between the crop roots and soil bacteria (rhizobia). These bacteria are the ‘engine’ of the nodules that fix the atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, subsequently feeding the crop enabling it to produce amino acids. There are a couple of nutrients that are important for that symbiotic relationship – boron (B) and calcium (Ca).

Other essential nutrients, that are directly required in the metabolism of the rhizobia in the nodules, include sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo). YaraVita Photrel Pro is a specially-formulated micronutrient mixture, it contains S, Mg, Mn, Mo and B, making it the ideal choice for legumes.

Apply YaraVita Photrel Pro at a rate of 3 kg/ha at 4-6 true leaves, a further application can be carried out in the spring, which is another important timing for winter beans.