Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure
4.16.
Nutrient content of immature seeds used as vegetables. (From data in USDA
National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 17. http:
//
www.nal.usda.gov
/
fnic
/
foodcomp
/
Data
/
SR17
/
reports
/
sr17page.htm.)
much higher calorie content than most other vegetables. Also the carbohydrate content
is higher, and the protein content is somewhat higher than other vegetables. The fat
content runs between a low of 0.12 percent for bush beans and a high of 1.18
percent for maize.
4.8.3 Soil Preparation and Fertilization
Soil is prepared as for any other crop and seed planted directly in the soil. Seedlings are
never used in pea, bean, and maize production. All three crops respond well to addition
of organic matter and chemical fertilizer to soil. However, both peas and beans are
legumes and so can fix their own nitrogen and thus do not and should not be fertilized
with nitrogen-containing fertilizers. However, they respond well to both phosphorus
and potassium fertilization, depending on the fertility level of the soil. In addition,
legumes are generally sensitive to soil pH, and thus the pH of soil should be near 7
for optimum production.
Maize is very different in its soil fertility requirements. It responds well to both
organic and chemical fertilizer additions to soil. Maize cannot fix its own nitrogen,
and so nitrogen must be one of the added fertilizer elements. Nitrogen is included in
the fertilizer applications and is sometimes added after the maize is growing as what
is called a side dress application. Maize is not very sensitive to acid soil pHs;
however, it is always best to keep soil pH near 7 for optimum crop growth and
maximum cropping flexibility.
