NDSU Studies Best Practices for Weed Management in Rolled Dry Bean Fields

Farmers in North Dakota and Minnesota, where about 67% of dry edible bean growers roll their fields, face challenges with soil compaction and increased weed problems, a North Dakota State University (NDSU) research aims to address. Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension weed specialist, shared insights at Bean Day 2024 on the impact of field rolling at different stages—before planting, before emergence, and after the beans have sprouted—on weed management. Ikley emphasized the importance of timing in the application of residual herbicides in relation to rolling, as soil compaction from rolling can exacerbate weed issues. The research seeks to optimize the sequence of these practices to reduce weed pressure and support healthy crop growth.