What Types of Soil Do Pinto Beans Need to Grow?

Types

• Soil is actually a complex material made up of crushed rock, mineral particles, water, decomposed organic matter and the living organisms that thrive in this environment. It is classified into five soil types: clay, clay loam, loam, sandy loam and sand. The types of soil are dependent on the size of the particles that comprise them.

Significance

• Clay soil has the smallest particles that hold water and nutrients, but it can become waterlogged. When dry, clay soil cracks and hardens to a brick-like structure. Sandy soil has large particles, making it easy for air, water and roots to penetrate. However, sandy soil dries out quickly, and the large structure does not hold nutrients or minerals. Pinto beans need a loam to sandy loam soil. This soil has fairly large particles and is fast draining but will hold moisture and nutrients, and it is easy for the roots to penetrate. Loam to sandy loam soil usually has a pH of 6.0 to 7.8, which is close to the ideal pH for pinto beans of 6.5 to 7.0.

Time Frame

• Soil temperature is critical for pinto bean seeds, as they will not sprout until soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees F. Planted in cold or cold and wet soil, pinto beans will not sprout well, and when they do, they will be plagued with fungus or mold problems. Wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees before planting, usually in late April or early May. You can plant pinto beans as late as July in most parts of the country; however, yields will be significantly reduced.

What Kind of Soil Do You Have?

• Have a soil test done the fall before you prepare the soil for planting pinto beans. The soil test will tell you the pH, the soil constancy (clay, loam or sandy) and the nutrient content of the soil. Pinto beans need a loose, well-drained soil with added potassium and phosphorus. Pinto beans "fix" nitrogen in the soil with nodules on their roots, so adding nitrogen is not necessary.

Planting Pinto Beans

• Prepare soil in early spring as soon as it can be worked by adding potassium and phosphorus as well as well-rotted manure or compost, which will make your pinto beans healthier, increase yields and help them resist damage from pests and disease. Till into the top 6 inches of the soil or until the soil is friable (easily worked). Plant pinto beans at a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Space rows 2 to 3 feet apart and space individual bean plants 2 to 4 inches apart. Give your pinto beans at least 1 inch of water per week. Pinto beans are ready to harvest when the pod is brown and the plant begins to die.