Peas rapid spring growth can be very effective at suppressing weeds. With a N content of 3-4%, peas produce 90-150 lbs/N/A and there are even reports of 300 lbs./N/A. The residue breaks down rapidly, releasing the N quickly. Once established pea can withstand heavy frosts but can easily be killed by herbicide at all growth stages. With no hard seed and ease to kill, peas don't pose any weed threat. Pest cycles can be broken with peas in your rotation and has been documented to be very effective at reducing take-all disease in wheat.
When is the right time to plant? Compare the germination temperature listed below to your soil temperature. Read this article for more info: When Can I Start Planting?
| Basic Info | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity (Days) | Seeds/lb | C/N at Maturity | Growth Habit | Root Type/Depth | Cold Kill (F) | Dry Matter Potential(Tons/acre) |
| 75-100 | 3200 | Vining | Medium Fibrous | 20 | 2 - 2.5 | |
| Use and Characteristics | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N Fix Potential | Lasting Residue | Palatability | Hay Harvest | Regrowth | Deep Compaction | Surface Compaction | Weed Suppression | Crimp Kill |
| 90 - 150 | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | Good | Easy |
| Planting | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Depth | Min Germ Temp(F) | Drilled Seed Rate (lbs/acre) | Broadcast Seed Rate (lb/acre) |
| 1 - 3" | 41 | 50 - 65 | 70 - 80 |
| Tolerance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | Drought | Shade | Wet Soil | Low Fertility | Low pH Soil | High pH Salinity | High pH Calcareous |
| Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good |