Pulse Panel - Field Peas

Presented by

Ron Bell

Reasons to grow field peas:

1. High returns (40 bus/acre @ $4.00 - $5.50).
2. Low input (no N required).
3. Additional N available for next crop.

Reasons for No Till peas:

1. Rotation
2. Peas respond well to high residue and cool soil
3. One pass seeding
4. Less disturbance - less weed growth
5. More available moisture at seeding time
6. Peas are a high water use crop and will use moisture accumulated under zero till
7. Will leave last year's residue on the surface for cover following harvest

Methodology:

1. Inoculate
2. Seed early
3. Seed into moisture because of seed size (at 1" under zero till)
4. Pick a clean field
5. Use weed control with the least crop injury
6. Use Sund pickup at harvest for least loss and most old residue (Note: Will also pick roots and small stones)

In conclusion Peas are:

1. A good rotational option
2. Profitable
3. A big headache
4. Well worth the trouble