For farmers planning to grow peas this year, an Alberta Agriculture researcher offers suggestions.
“In southern Alberta, peas should be seeded in late April or early May to achieve optimum yield and to reduce the effects of a hot, dry summer,” says Ross McKenzie, senior research scientist with Alberta Agriculture in Lethbridge. “Late seeding can result in reduced yields, compromised weed control and a delayed harvest.”
Ideally, peas should be seeded at 70 to 80 seeds per sq. metre. Because pea seed size varies considerably among varieties, the seeding rate in pounds per acre must be based on 1,000 seed weight.
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Ideal seeding depth is four to five centimetres, said McKenzie. He added that shallow seeding could reduce germination if surface soil dries too much after seeding in warm, windy spring conditions.
McKenzie said peas rarely need nitrogen fertilizer, but if soil nitrogen is less than 20 lb. per acre, then 10 to 15 lb. of nitrogen per acre can help to get the plants started.
“As well, peas are less responsive to phosphate fertilizer than cereal crops,” he said.
“Peas often do not respond to phosphate fertilizer when soil levels are greater than 30 lb. of phosphate per acre. Seed placement of phosphate is best for root growth when soil phosphate levels are low.”
Producers should also:
- Plan rotations before seeding Ñ grow a crop that will benefit from nitrogen release after peas such as spring or durum wheat.
- Control perennial weeds before seeding.
- Apply granular herbicide in late fall for best weed control in peas.
- Ensure straw and chaff are uniformly spread.
- Direct seed into standing stubble to ensure good soil moisture.
- Apply phosphate fertilizer with the seed at rates determined by a soil test.
- Seed appropriate cultivars recommended for the area.
- Inoculate seed with proper rhizobia bacteria.
- Monitor the need for broadleaf and grassy weed control after seeding.
McKenzie recommended several sources that can offer good information including the Alberta Pulse Grower’s Commission and the Ag-Info Centre at 866-882-7677.
Another good source of information is the Pulse Crops in Alberta guide, available from Alberta Agriculture. It covers the basics of pulse production, as well as the specifics on field peas, dry beans, lentils and faba beans. It also provides information on lesser-known pulses including chickpeas, fenugreek, grasspeas, lupins and soybeans.
Alberta Agriculture also offers the factsheet Pea Nutrient Requirements, which is available on-line.
