Winter Peas for Sale - Cover Crop Exchange

Winter peas, commonly known as field peas or Austrian winter peas, are a cool-season leguminous cover crop. Their tendrils and stems create a viney growth, which can reach lengths of 3 to 5 feet. When planted in the fall, they overwinter and continue to grow in the spring, often producing beautiful purple flowers.

Benefits of Winter Peas as a Cover Crop:

Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, winter peas have the ability to form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in the soil, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer inputs in the subsequent cropping season.
Soil Erosion Control: The growth structure of winter peas forms a protective canopy over the soil, reducing the impact of raindrops and decreasing the risk of soil erosion.
Soil Structure and Health: The deep root system of winter peas can help in breaking compacted soil layers, improving water infiltration and overall soil structure. As they decay, these roots also contribute organic matter, enhancing soil health and microbial activity.
Weed Suppression: The dense growth of winter peas can help outcompete and suppress winter weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
Beneficial Insect Attraction: The flowers of winter peas can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, which can assist in pest management.

Forage Potential: Winter peas can be grazed or used as high-quality forage for livestock, making them a versatile choice for integrated crop-livestock systems.

Planting and Management Advice: Seeding Rate: Typically, 50 to 90 lbs/acre, depending on the specific purpose and region. Higher rates can be considered for more biomass or weed suppression.

Planting Depth: Winter peas should be planted at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches.

Time of Planting: Plant in the late summer or early fall, allowing enough time for the peas to establish before the first hard freeze.

Termination: Winter peas can be terminated through mowing, roller-crimping, or with herbicides in the spring before planting the primary crop. If using as a forage, terminate after grazing.

Soil pH: Prefers a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, consider soil testing to ensure optimal conditions.

Rotational Considerations: Avoid planting winter peas in fields following other legume crops to minimize the risk of disease carryover.

Water Requirements: Winter peas can tolerate a range of moisture conditions but perform best with consistent moisture. They can tolerate some water-logging but prefer well-drained soils.

Inoculation: To ensure optimal nitrogen fixation, consider inoculating the seeds with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae, which is specific for peas.