How Are Beans Harvested: A Fascinating Journey
How Are Beans Harvested?
Beans can be harvested using two main methods: undercutting and straight cutting.
Undercutting involves cutting the beans below the soil surface, while straight cutting uses a pick-up header to feed the beans into a combine.
Prior to harvesting, it is important to properly complete the hilling operation during the growing season to ensure effective cutting of the crop.
After undercutting, a rod is used to lift the roots out of the soil.
Another method of harvesting beans is windrowing, which involves gathering 6 to 12 rows of beans together to create a swath for combines.
Windrows should contain some green vegetation to prevent movement by strong winds, and care must be taken to reduce shattering during windrowing.
Swathing should occur when 50% to 70% of the pods are in a buckskin stage.
When harvesting dry beans, they should be combined when the seed moisture content is between 18% to 22%.
Specialized bean combines with one or two cylinders and a large screen are recommended for hot, dry conditions.
Rotary combines are gentler on beans if the rotor is kept full.
Conventional combines can be modified to reduce damage and be gentler on beans.
Harvest equipment combinations can include cutting and rodding simultaneously or using a pick-up and combine for normal row crop production.
Upright or bush types of beans can be combined at 70% to 95% buckskin pod color.
It is recommended to use a flexible header and lifter guards for combining beans.
Dry beans can be straight cut when 75% of the pods are dry and the remaining pods are in the buckskin stage.
If weeds are present, a harvest aid or desiccant can be used to ensure quick plant dry down, but checking with the buyer for market acceptance is advised.
Vine lifters or flex headers are recommended to maximize the capture of low pods.
However, vine type varieties do not straight cut well due to high harvest losses when pods touch the ground.
Key Points:
- Beans can be harvested using undercutting or straight cutting methods.
- Undercutting involves cutting the beans below the soil surface, while straight cutting uses a pick-up header and combine.
- Proper hilling operations should be completed prior to harvesting.
- Windrowing is another method of harvesting beans, which involves gathering rows of beans together.
- Harvesting dry beans should occur when the seed moisture content is between 18% to 22%.
- Specialized bean combines or modified conventional combines can be used for harvesting beans.
Did You Know?
1. Storing beans near onions can cause them to spoil faster since onions release gases that can accelerate the decay process.
2. Did you know that beans were one of the first foods to be grown in outer space? NASA’s astronauts successfully grew mung beans aboard the International Space Station in 2002.
3. Beans are commonly associated with Mexican cuisine, but did you know that they were first cultivated in Peru more than 7,000 years ago?
4. Bizarrely, in ancient Greece, beans were believed to have the power to communicate with the dead. During funeral rites, a handful of beans would be tossed on the ground, and the direction in which they fell was thought to indicate messages from the deceased.
5. In the early 19th century, some European settlers in North America considered beans to be a poisonous food. This belief was so strong that children were often discouraged from eating them, as parents feared they may exhibit madness-like symptoms, such as hallucinations or convulsions.
The Two Main Methods of Harvesting Beans: Undercutting and Straight Cutting
Harvesting beans is a crucial step in the agricultural process that requires careful planning and execution. Two main methods exist for harvesting beans – undercutting and straight cutting.
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Undercutting involves cutting the beans below the soil surface, ensuring that the entire plant is lifted from the ground. This method is commonly used when beans are grown in well-tilled, loose soil.
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On the other hand, straight cutting involves using a pick-up header to feed the beans into a combine. This method is typically employed when the beans are grown in more compacted soil.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to complete the hilling operation correctly during the growing season. Proper hilling helps in effectively cutting the crop during harvest. After the beans are cut, a rod is used to lift the roots out of the soil to facilitate the harvesting process. This ensures that the entire plant is harvested efficiently.
- Undercutting:
- Cut beans below the soil surface.
- Lifts the entire plant.
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Suitable for well-tilled, loose soil.
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Straight cutting:
- Uses a pick-up header and combine.
- Ideal for more compacted soil.
“It is essential to complete the hilling operation correctly during the growing season. Proper hilling helps in effectively cutting the crop during harvest.”
Windrowing: Gathering and Preparing Beans for Combine Harvesting
Windrowing is a commonly used method for harvesting beans. This process involves gathering 6 to 12 rows of beans together to create a swath for combines. It is important to note that windrows should be kept with some green vegetation to prevent movement by strong winds, ensuring that the beans are not scattered or damaged during high winds.
However, care must be taken to reduce shattering during windrowing. Swathing should occur when approximately 50% to 70% of the pods are in the buckskin stage, indicating that they are ripe for harvesting. It is crucial to time the swathing correctly to maximize yield and reduce potential seed losses.
Swathing: Timing and Precautions for Effective Bean Harvest
Swathing is a crucial step in the bean harvesting process and requires careful timing and precautions. Swathing should be conducted when the beans are in the buckskin stage, which means that approximately 50% to 70% of the pods have reached optimal maturity for harvest. This stage is characterized by pods turning a light brownish color and feeling slightly leathery to the touch.
It is important to note that swaths are susceptible to wind damage and rotting if they get wet from rain. Harvesters should monitor weather conditions closely and plan swathing accordingly to mitigate potential losses. Additionally, careful attention should be paid to reduce shattering during windrowing as shattering can lead to significant crop losses.
Key points to remember:
- Swathing should be done when beans are in the buckskin stage
- Pods should have a light brownish color and slightly leathery texture
- Monitor weather conditions to avoid wind damage and rotting
- Reduce shattering during windrowing to prevent crop loss
“Swathing is a crucial step in the bean harvesting process and requires careful timing and precautions.”
Combining Beans: Moisture Levels, Equipment Considerations, and Preventing Seed Damage
The process of combining beans involves several factors that need to be considered to ensure a successful harvest. Dry beans should typically be combined when their seed moisture content is between 18% to 22%. Combining below 14% moisture significantly increases the risk of seed cracking, which can result in decreased quality and market value.
Specialized bean combines, such as the Bedwell or Lilliston, have been designed to reduce damage in hot, dry conditions. These combines often feature one or two cylinders and a large screen, which effectively minimize the risks associated with harvesting beans in challenging weather conditions. Rotary combines are also considered gentler on beans, as long as the rotor is consistently kept full, which cushions the beans to prevent excessive damage.
Cylinder speeds and concave spacing should be adjusted as the beans dry to ensure optimal harvesting conditions. Conventional combines can also be modified to reduce earth-tag and minimize damage to the beans. Harvest equipment combinations can range from cutting and rodding simultaneously to using a pick-up and combine for normal row crop production. The choice of method ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the bean crop being harvested.
Harvesting Considerations for Different Bean Varieties: Upright vs. Vine Types
Harvesting considerations for different bean varieties, such as upright and vine types, vary significantly. Upright or bush types of beans that are grown in solid seeded fields can generally be combined when the pods reach 70% to 95% buckskin pod color. In contrast, vine type varieties do not straight cut well due to high harvest losses when pods touch the ground.
To maximize the capture of low pods in vine type varieties, specialized equipment such as vine lifters or flex headers are recommended. These tools effectively lift the vines and prevent them from touching the ground, reducing the risk of losses during harvest. Additionally, a flexible header and lifter guards are highly recommended for combining beans of any variety to minimize crop damage.
In situations where weeds are present, a harvest aid or desiccant can be used to ensure plants dry down quickly. However, it is crucial to check with the buyer for market acceptance of desiccants used. Ensuring that the beans are clean and free from any chemical residues is essential to maintain their quality and marketability.
the process of harvesting beans involves various methods and considerations to ensure a successful and efficient harvest. Farmers and harvesters must carefully choose between undercutting and straight cutting methods and adjust their harvesting techniques based on specific factors such as moisture levels, weather conditions, and bean variety. By implementing proper harvesting practices and utilizing specialized equipment when necessary, the journey of harvesting beans can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for all involved in the agricultural industry.
- Farmers should combine upright or bush types of beans when the pods reach 70% to 95% buckskin pod color.
- Vine type varieties do not straight cut well, and specialized equipment like vine lifters or flex headers should be used to prevent harvest losses.
- A flexible header and lifter guards are recommended when combining beans of any variety.
- Use a harvest aid or desiccant in the presence of weeds, but check with the buyer for market acceptance.
- Ensure beans are clean and free from chemical residues to maintain quality and marketability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are field beans harvested?
Field beans are harvested by carefully selecting pods that are around 10-12cm in length and have a firm, plump feel. With gentle precision, the beans are twisted and delicately pulled or snapped from the plants without harming their stems. This method ensures that the beans are collected at their optimal size and quality, ready to be enjoyed in various culinary preparations.
How are beans produced?
Bean production begins with the process of pollination, where bees play a crucial role in fertilizing the flowers. Once fertilized, the flowers transform into pods, which serve as protective casings for the developing beans. Over the course of several weeks, the beans inside the pods gradually grow in size, undergoing maturation until they are ready to be harvested. This gradual formation of beans within the pods is a key aspect of the production process.
How are white beans harvested?
White beans are harvested by carefully plucking each bean from the vine or by breaking off the vine end, particularly if prompt usage of the beans is intended. The specific type of white bean, be it snap, shell, or dry, governs the optimal time and method of harvesting. These distinctions ensure an effective and fruitful harvest of white beans.
How do you harvest bean seeds?
To harvest bean seeds, wait until the pods have fully dried on the plant. Once dried, carefully remove the pods from the plants and bring them inside to dry for a minimum of two weeks. After this period, you can choose to shell the beans immediately or keep the seeds within the pods until the next planting season. This process allows the seeds to fully mature and ensure their viability for future use.