UTILIZING THE POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED NITROGEN-FIXATION IN COMMON BEAN

Many variables affect the amount of N2 fixation that occurs in field-g rown common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). When environmental conditio ns are optitimized. genetically superior plants that are nodulated wit h efficient rhizobia are able to fix enough N2 to support grain yields of up to 2000 kg ha-1. All of the required components are available f or common bean to fulfill its potential as a nitrogen-fixing food crop . However, these components must be assembled and presented to growers in a usable package that is economically attractive.