Field peas are an excellent nitrogen-fixing crop that can improve soil health while providing an economic return. Varieties like CDC Meadow and CDC Amarillo are drought-resistant and can be used for human consumption and livestock feed.
Soil and Site Preparation
- Soil Type: Field peas grow best in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0–7.5. They are less tolerant of saline or waterlogged soils.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur) and pH. Adjust soil fertility based on test results.
- Tillage: Use conservation tillage practices (no-till or minimal tillage) to retain soil moisture and reduce erosion.
- Weed Control: Control weeds in the fall or early spring before planting. Herbicides or mechanical methods can be used to manage weed pressure.
Seed Selection
- Variety Choice: Select field pea varieties adapted to the Alberta Special Areas' climate. Examples include:
- CDC Meadow (yellow pea)
- CDC Amarillo (yellow pea)
- CDC Limerick (green pea)
- Seed Quality: Use certified seed to ensure high germination rates and disease-free planting material.
- Seeding Rate: Aim for a seeding rate of 7–9 seeds per square foot (approximately 3–4 bushels per acre). Adjust based on soil moisture conditions and seed size.
Planting
- Timing: Plant field peas in early to mid-May, depending on soil temperature and moisture conditions. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 5–10°C (41–50°F).
- Depth: Plant seeds 1.5–2.5 inches deep in moist soil. Deeper planting may be necessary in dry conditions to reach moisture.
- Row Spacing: Use a row spacing of 6–12 inches for uniform plant distribution and optimal yield.
- Inoculation: Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium bacteria to promote nitrogen fixation.
Fertilization
- Nitrogen (N): Field peas fix their own nitrogen, so minimal nitrogen fertilization is required (10–20 lbs/acre at planting).
- Phosphorus (P): Apply phosphorus at planting to promote root development. Rates of 20–40 lbs of P2O5 per acre are common.
- Potassium (K): Potassium is generally sufficient in Alberta soils, but apply if soil tests indicate deficiencies.
- Sulfur (S): Apply 10–20 lbs of sulfur per acre, especially in sandy or low-organic-matter soils.
Growing and Crop Management
- Moisture Management: Use snow trapping techniques and maintain crop residues to retain soil moisture.
- Weed Control: Apply herbicides as needed to control weeds during the growing season. Follow label recommendations and avoid herbicide resistance by rotating modes of action.
- Disease Management: Monitor for common field pea diseases such as:
- Ascochyta blight (use resistant varieties and fungicides if necessary)
- Root rot (improve drainage and use seed treatments)
- Powdery mildew (apply fungicides during flowering if disease pressure is high)
- Insect Control: Watch for pests like pea leaf weevil and aphids. Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize damage.
Harvesting (Combining)
- Timing: Harvest field peas when grain moisture content is 16–20%. Delayed harvesting can lead to shattering and yield losses.
- Combining Settings: Adjust combine settings to minimize grain damage and losses. Use a fan speed and concave setting appropriate for field peas.
- Storage: Dry grain to 14% moisture or lower for safe storage. Clean grain before storage to remove chaff and weed seeds.- Yield Expectations: Yields in the Special Areas typically range from 30–60 bushels per acre, depending on moisture and growing conditions.
Post-Harvest and Crop Rotation
- Stubble Management: Leave stubble standing to trap snow and improve moisture retention for the next crop.
- Crop Rotation: Rotate field peas with cereals like wheat or barley to break disease cycles, improve soil health, and manage weeds.