Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed is used both as animal feed and for human consumption. They are a major pulse crop in Australia grown over approximately 300,000 hectares. In SA and Vic it accounts for 40% of the area of pulses and is the second most widely grown pulse crop in WA and southern NSW.

Agronomically, field peas are considered a reliable pulse crop, particularly in the lower rainfall margins of south-eastern Australia. The crop fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and contributes to soil mineral nitrogen levels. It is less exploitative of soil water at depth than cereal crops, has increased flexibility for weed control, and provides a break for the cereal disease cycles.

Topics

• Planning/paddock preparation and planting
• Plant growth and physiology
• Nutrition and fertiliser
• Weed and insect control
• Nematode management
• Diseases
• Plant growth regulators and canopy management
• Crop desiccation and spray out
• Harvest and storage
• Environmental issues
• Marketing