Fresh Pod Yield, Physical and Nutritional Quality Attributes of Common Bean as Influenced by Conventional or Organic Farming Practices

Abstract

The aim of the current study wat to comparatively assess the impact of different nitrogen (N) fertilization schemes on fresh pod yield and yield quality in either organically or conventionally grown common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Prior to common bean crop establishment, the experimental field site was cultivated following either organic (a) or conventional (b) farming practices with a winter non-legume crop (Brassica oleracea var. italica) (BR), or (c) with field bean (Vicia faba sp.) destined to serve as a green manure (GM) crop. At the end of the winter cultivation period the broccoli crop residues (BR) and green manure biomass (GM) were incorporated into the soil and the plots that accommodated the treatments (a) and (c) were followed by an organically cultivated common bean crop, while the conventional broccoli crop was followed by a conventionally cropped common bean crop. Additional to the plant residues (BR), sheep manure (SM) at a rate of 40 kg N ha−1 was also applied to the organically treated common beans, while the plots with a conventionally cropped common bean received 75 kg N ha−1. Organic common bean treated with SM + BR produced smaller pods of higher dry matter and bioactive compound content, responses that are correlated with limited soil N availability. No significant variations were observed on yield components and N levels of pods cultivated under organic (SM + GM) and conventional cropping systems. Pod sugar and starch content was not influenced by the different fertilization practices. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the combined application of SM + GM can be considered as an efficient N-fertilisation strategy for organic crops of common bean, benefiting their nutritional value without compromising yield.

Intercropping Industrial Hemp and Cowpea Enhances the Yield of Squash—A Pollinator-Dependent Crop

“…Though hemp is not a pollinator-dependent crop, the Hemp+Cowpea intercrop increased hemp yield by 64% compared to the Hemp Monocrop. This finding aligns with previous research highlighting the potential of incorporating legumes into intercropping systems to improve soil N for increased crop yield [46][47][48]. This may indicate that the specific crop combination of intercropping hemp and cowpea shows resource complementarity, with cowpeas influencing nutrient availability for hemp that could potentially reduce production costs.…”

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Seeds of Bred Lines of Common Bean Developed from Interspecific Crosses

“…P acutifolius genotypes tested in our study presented higher values of total glucose. Glucose represents a significant source of metabolic energy for seedling development, in the formation of nutrients and bioactive compounds contained in the seed [72,73], and these compounds are also mainly bound to sugar molecules (glycosylated residues) and proteins [74].…”