Pole Bean Companion Planting
Phaseolus vulgaris
Legume (Fabaceae) -- warm season
Good Companions for Pole Bean
Pole beans fix atmospheric N2 via Rhizobium symbiosis, providing 20-60 kg N/ha that benefits nitrogen-demanding corn. Corn stalks serve as a living trellis for beans, eliminating the need for staking.
Plant corn first and allow it to reach 15 cm before sowing beans. Use sturdy corn varieties like Oaxacan Green or Painted Mountain.
- The Three Sisters mound system: an example of sustainable agriculture -- USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) (2007)
- Nitrogen transfer from bean to maize in intercropping -- Plant and Soil (2002)
- Corn-bean-squash intercrop systems: production efficiency and land use -- Agronomy Journal (2003)
Crops to Avoid Near Pole Bean
Garlic root exudates contain allyl disulfides and other organosulfur compounds that suppress Rhizobium populations, reducing biological nitrogen fixation in adjacent legumes.
Same allium-legume antagonism. Keep garlic beds well separated from all bean and pea plantings.
- Allelopathic effects of Allium species on legume Rhizobium symbiosis -- Plant and Soil (1996)
Sunflower allelopathic residues (chlorogenic acid, scopolin) in decomposing leaves and stems inhibit bean seed germination. The effect is strongest in the following season when residues decompose.
Avoid planting beans where sunflower residues are decomposing. Clear sunflower stalks before planting legumes.
- Allelopathic effect of sunflower on succeeding crops -- Allelopathy Journal (2006)
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