Field Pea

Understanding About Crop

Nutritional Value:

• Field peas are a great source of plant protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• They provide energy for daily work, support muscle growth, and are low in fat and cholesterol, making them heart-friendly.
• A staple in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, they also provide B-vitamins for energy metabolism.

Dietary Diversity:

• Used in soups, curries, salads, and flours, field peas offer meal variety and nutrition across age groups.
• They can be consumed fresh, dried, sprouted, or cooked, fitting well into mixed diets and culinary traditions.
• Inclusion of field peas supports balanced diets, especially where cereals dominate food intake.

Economic Importance:

• Field pea cultivation gives farmers steady income due to always-high demand in local and international markets.
• They are sold as whole peas, split peas, and even processed as protein-rich flour for the food industry.
• All about agriculture regularly updates market prices and value-add tips to maximize farmer profits.

Crop Rotation:

• Field peas are legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertilizer needs for next crops and improving soil fertility.
• Planting field peas after cereals breaks pest and disease cycles, supporting sustainable farm systems.
• This rotation boosts yields of wheat, rice, or maize grown after peas, enriching the entire cropping sequence.

Climate Resilience:

• Field peas are well adapted to cool, temperate, and moderately dry climates, tolerating light frosts but not heat or waterlogging.
• Their short growing season (100-120 days) means they fit into double-cropping systems easily.
• These traits make field peas a climate-smart choice for smallholders facing unpredictable weather.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and plant protein, field peas help control blood sugar and cholesterol, supporting heart and gut health.
• Eating field peas strengthens the immune system and provides slow-release energy, making them ideal for families and laborers alike.
• On All about agriculture, you’ll find recipes and health tips for pea-based diets.

Key Features 

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Field peas need cool, moderate climates with temperatures of 12–25°C for germination, flowering, and seed filling.
• They prefer well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils, pH 6.0–7.5; waterlogged or heavy clay soils cause root rot and poor growth.
• Peas tolerate mild frosts but can be damaged by high heat or excessive rain, so avoid low-lying or flood-prone fields.
• Soil with moderate fertility is ideal; add organic matter to improve structure and water-holding.
• All about agriculture recommends soil testing to guide liming or nutrient correction before sowing.

Land Preparation

• Plough land deeply 2–3 times, breaking clods and ensuring fine tilth for good root expansion and seed-soil contact.
• Remove weeds, stones, and debris; clean land reduces pest and disease risk and boosts healthy pea emergence.
• Add 4–5 tons/ha of well-rotted compost or manure 3–4 weeks before sowing to enhance fertility and water retention.
• Level fields carefully to avoid water stagnation after irrigation or rain.
• Timely land prep ensures better germination, crop vigor, and easier later fieldwork.

High-Yielding and Hybrid Seed Selection

• Use only certified, disease-free seeds from reputable sellers to assure uniform, healthy stands and vigorous plants.
• Choose varieties suited to your local climate, like Rachna, Pant Matar-5, or HUP-2 for disease resistance and yield potential.
• Hybrid seeds, when available, offer resilience to pests and environmental stresses – renew seed stock every 2–3 years.
• Large, plump seeds generally produce stouter seedlings and quicker establishment.
• All about agriculture regularly shares updates on the best new varieties for each region.

Seed Treatment

• Treat seeds with Thiram, Captan, or Trichoderma (2g/kg) to protect against seed and soil-borne diseases.
• Rhizobium inoculation boosts nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and early plant vigor.
• Dry treated seeds in shade before sowing for best effect and germination success.
• Properly treated seed prevents many early crop losses, reducing the need for later chemical sprays.
• Follow local guidelines for safe application protocols.

Sowing and Planting Methods

• Sow seeds at 3–5 cm depth and 45 x 10 cm spacing for best plant growth, air circulation, and light.
• Use line sowing or seed drills instead of broadcasting for even stands and easier weeding/harvesting.
• Best sowing window: end of October in NW India, mid-November in East/North-East India, or as per regional rainfall/cool weather.
• Seed rate for small-seeded: 50–60 kg/ha; for bold-seeded: 80–90 kg/ha, adjusted for seed size and field germination rates.
• Fresh, moist soil at sowing time ensures quick emergence and vigorous seedling growth.

Nutrient and Fertilizer Management

• Besides organic manure, apply basal doses of phosphorus (40–60 kg P2O5/ha), potassium (20–30 kg K2O/ha), and sulphur (15–20 kg/ha) based on soil tests and crop variety.
• Nitrogen is needed in small quantities (20–30 kg/ha) as a starter – peas will fix more nitrogen via nodules as they grow.
• Apply fertilizers at sowing: side-band away from direct seed contact to prevent injury and encourage root uptake.
• Foliar sprays of trace elements (zinc, boron) may be used in deficient soils for better flowering and pod set.
• Balance fertilization with regular updates from crop guides.

Irrigation and Water Management

• Peas are mostly rainfed but benefit from irrigation during flowering and pod filling if rain is scarce; avoid waterlogging at all costs.
• Two irrigations (at 45 days after sowing and at pod filling) are usually enough if rains are insufficient.
• Mulching between rows helps conserve soil moisture, moderate temperature, and reduce weed growth.
• Monitor and manage field drainage to avoid standing water after heavy rain or irrigation.
• All about agriculture offers practical guides for local scheduling and drought warning systems.

Intercultural Operations

• Weed the field 2–3 times in early growth (first 40 days) to prevent yield loss from competition.
• Hand hoeing and shallow cultivation encourage root growth and keep fields clean, especially where herbicide use is to be minimized.
• Timely removal of weeds and crop residues reduces shelter for pests and ensures cleaner harvests.
• In tall varieties, provide light staking or simple supports to prevent lodging in wind or heavy rain.
• Regular field checks and timely interventions are shared by All about agriculture to maximize productivity.

Pest Management

• Aphids, pod borers, and cutworms are common – use a combination of scouting, pheromone traps, and neem-based or safe bio-sprays for early control.
• Avoid continuous use of the same insecticides to prevent resistance; alternate products and control methods.
• Encourage natural predators (ladybugs, parasitoids) and use physical barriers, especially in home gardens.
• Remove infested plant parts promptly to minimize pest buildup and crop loss.
• Refer to All about agriculture’s updated pest alerts for quick response strategies.

Disease Management

• Key diseases: powdery mildew, root rot, wilt, and leaf blight – use resistant varieties and healthy seed as primary defense.
• Practice crop rotation, avoid waterlogging, and space plants properly to improve airflow and reduce disease spread.
• Use fungicides like wettable sulphur or copper-based products only if scouting reveals a real problem, and always as per label.
• Remove and burn infected crop residues, and sanitize tools/equipment throughout the season.
• Check All about agriculture for the latest on disease outbreaks and eco-friendly controls.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

• Harvest field peas when pods turn yellow-brown and are well-filled – avoid delays that cause shattering and loss.
• Use sickles or combines as per field size; stack plants to dry before mechanical or manual threshing.
• Dry seeds under sun, reduce moisture below 12–13% for safe storage, and clean properly to keep out bugs.
• Store peas in cool, dry, airtight conditions (metal bins, jute bags) away from rodents and dampness.
• All about agriculture provides market tips and quality standards for selling at the best price.

Other Important Points

• Field peas are suitable for intercropping, green manuring, and home gardens, making them a true multipurpose crop.
• They fit well into organic farming systems and support food/nutritional security in rural communities.
• Stay updated with innovations, weather news, market trends, and government schemes by following All about agriculture.