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Adding mulch biomass prior to crop seeding may improve production of tropical soil. We evaluated the response of four bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes to the addition of mulch biomass from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) Gray and Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. The addition of mulch did not result in significant differences (p &lt, 0.05) in soil characteristics when compared to a control (no mulch addition) except for soil potassium (K), which was significantly greater (p &lt, 0.05) in the T. diversifolia mulch biomass treatment. Bean yield and shoot biomass were significantly greater (p &lt, 0.05) in the mulch biomass treatments compared to the control (no biomass added). In these treatments, Phosphorus (P)-efficient bean genotypes had a significantly greater (p &lt, 0.05) yield and shoot biomass. Bean shoot nutrient concentrations were significantly different (p &lt, 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments and between bean genotypes (P, K and magnesium (Mg) only). Phosphorus utilization and uptake efficiencies were significantly different (p &lt, 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments and between bean genotypes. Bean root biomass was not significantly different (p &lt, 0.05) between mulch biomass treatments, but was significantly different (p &lt, 0.05) between bean genotypes. The number of root nodules was significantly greater (p &lt, 0.05) in the T. diversifolia mulch biomass treatment and was significantly different between bean genotypes.