Information on Which Soil Best Grows Pinto Beans

pH

• The best soil for growing pinto beans features a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. To determine your soil's pH level, collect a soil sample and take it to your county extension office for testing. Do not grow pinto beans on soil with a pH level above 8.0, which means the soil is too alkaline.

Moisture and Temperature

• Good drainage is critical in soil for growing pinto beans. The pinto bean soil cannot be too cold. Plant pinto beans in soil only if the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees F to prevent poor growth and root rot. The pinto bean soil should be a fertile, sandy loam rather than a clay loam, which absorbs and holds excessive amounts of water, stunting plant growth.

Amendments

• The soil test indicates whether amendments or fertilizer are needed. For Add lime if the pH level is less than 6.5. Avoid growing pinto beans in soils with a large amount of phosphorus, which reduces the plant's ability to absorb iron. Too much nitrogen causes pinto bean plants to grow many vines and makes these plants more susceptible to disease. Medium or low amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in soil are adequate for pinto bean germination. Soil for growing pinto beans should feature important nutrients including zinc, iron and potassium.

Other Features

• The soil that best grows pinto beans includes that which has never been previously used for growing vegetables, such as sugar beets, peas, beans or potatoes. This is significant if these crops fell victim to root and/or crown rot. Soil once used to grow sunflowers is not a good candidate for growing pinto beans because white mold easily harms sunflowers.