If pea growers’ fields are free of weeds, they may want to lower their seeding rates.
That’s according to early results from a research project at Melfort, Sask., and Lacombe, Alta., by the Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada.
The test examines the effect of row spacing and seeding rates on pea yields.
High seeding rates are a major part of the cost of planting peas, said institute researcher Adrian Johnston, who spoke to a recent workshop.
He seeded Grande and Swing varieties at rates of 50, 100 and 150 seeds per square metre.
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The plots were sprayed twice for weeds with Odyssey.
At higher seeding rates, more pea plants emerged. But final yields were not significantly increased.
“We’re dealing with a crop that is very elastic,” said Johnston.
Moving from seeding rates of 1.5 bushels per acre to 3 bu. per acre added only an extra 2.1 bu. per acre of yield, he said.
Final yields were influenced more by inoculation, pest competition and environment, said Johnston.
The trend needs more examination, he said.
Researchers also need to gather more information about the importance of weed control.
If fields are not weed-free, higher seeding rates are likely advantageous for yields, said Johnston.
The project also showed seed placement had little impact on yield.
Researchers direct-seeded peas with 23 centimetre and 31 cm row spacing, and also with a 28 cm sweep on 23 cm row spacing to spread seed uniformly across the seedbed.
