Winter field peas as green manure before maize
Problem
On arable farms without livestock, nitrogen insufficiency can occur when cultivating nutrient demanding crops like maize. This can lead to yield losses and weed infestation.
Solution
Use a green manure of winter field peas before growing crops that have a high nitrogen demand in the rotation.
Outcome
Ploughing in winter field peas in spring provides 100 kg of nitrogen to the succeeding crop and increases yield. The improved development of the crop also leads to an improved weed control. Possible disadvantages are the growing costs and restrictions when cultivating peas as a main crop in the rotation. Position of green manure in the crop rotation • After late crops like potatoes, sun flowers and field vegetables. After grains, green manure is possible after repeated stubble treatment against root weeds. • Possible succeeding crops are maize, potatoes or field vegetables that require nitrogen (e.g. spinach). Not grain legumes. • The earliest point for repeating the pea fertilization on the same field is after 6 years. In between this time frame, peas must not be cultivated as a main crop. Cultivation of winter field peas • In case of soil compaction, primary soil tillage should be carried out. Seedbed preparation with a rotary harrow or a tined rotor. • Ideal seeding period: Beginning of October to middle of November. Sowing depth: 3-5 cm. • Quantity of seeds: End of September/beginning of October: about 1,5 kg/a (100 seeds/m2), middle to end of October: 2 kg/a, frost seeding in winter: max. 4 kg/a Link: http://orgprints.org/31026/31/PA_010_Peas_green_manure_final_QR.pdf
OK-Net Arable – Organic Knowledge Network Arable
Ongoing | 2015-2018
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium