Beans raised in soil with pH higher than 6.5 may experience a manganese deficiency that impacts bean production, according to the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.
Soil with a high pH could also cause iron deficiency in bean plants. This may interfere with proper photosynthesis.
Soil with a pH below 5 may encourage plants to take in a toxic amount of aluminum, which reduces root growth.
Highly acidic soil can also lead to a toxic amount of manganese in bean plants, which will limit the uptake of other important minerals.
Beans grown in soil with a pH lower than 5.8 have a greater incidence of disease.
Change the pH level gradually. Agricultural limestone or wood ashes will reduce soil acidity. Aluminum sulfate or peat moss can help reduce soil alkalinity.