Splity Yellow Peas

Understanding About Crop

Nutritional Value:

• Split yellow peas are high in protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium.
• They supply considerable energy and are naturally low in fat, making them extremely healthy for everyday meals.
• Their nutritional richness makes them a smart, affordable source of plant-based protein for families and communities.

Dietary Diversity:

• Including split yellow peas in the diet introduces variety, helping balance nutrition in areas mainly dependent on cereals or rice.
• These peas are used in soups, dals, snacks, and are easy to digest, making them suitable for all age groups.
• The wide culinary use of yellow peas further supports food security and household nutrition.

Economic Importance:

• Yellow pea cultivation creates income opportunities for smallholder farmers due to steady demand in local and export markets.
• Peas require low input, are easy to process, and have high market value, benefiting farmers even with small landholdings.
• At All about agriculture, we help maximize farmers’ returns through better crop and marketing advice.

Crop Rotation:

• Yellow peas are key in crop rotation, breaking pest and disease cycles when grown after cereals like wheat or maize.
• As a legume, they fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil for the next crop, reducing fertilizer costs and supporting sustainable agriculture.
• Integrating peas into rotation supports better yields in future crops.

Climate Resilience:

• Split yellow peas are hardy and tolerant to a range of climates, including cool, dry, and moderate regions.
• They have a short growth cycle (90-120 days), allowing farmers to squeeze them between other major crops or make use of short rainy seasons.
• Their resilience to drought and ability to grow in marginal soils promote farm stability even during climate stress years.

Health Benefits:

• Regular consumption of split yellow peas supports healthy blood sugar control, good digestion, and heart health.
• Rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, they contribute to long-term dietary health.
• On All about agriculture, we share more about health benefits and recipes for smart eating.

Key Features 

Climate and Soil Requirements:

Temperature Range:

• Best growth at 10°C–25°C, tolerant of mild frosts during early growth, but sensitive to extreme heat.
• This makes cultivation possible from early winter to spring in most areas across India and similar climates.
• Moderate temperature prevents flower drop and ensures a strong pod set.

Rainfall Needs:

• Prefers 400–500 mm of well-distributed rainfall; waterlogging can cause root rot and poor yields.
• Good soil moisture at germination and flowering stages is critical, but excess water can damage seedlings.
• Light, regular irrigation preferred in non-rainfed zones.

Soil Preferences:

• Well-drained, loamy to sandy loam soils with pH of 6.0–7.5 support the best plant development.
• Heavy clay or acidic soils must be improved with organic matter or liming.
• Soil testing with results from All about agriculture boosts precise amendments.

Fertility:

• Medium fertility is enough since peas fix their own nitrogen, but higher organic matter enhances root and pod development.
• Avoid fresh manure before sowing to prevent fungal diseases.

Site Selection:

• Choose fields not used for peas or beans in the last 2–3 years to avoid soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Rotating with cereals or oilseeds helps keep populations in check.

Land Preparation:

Plowing and Tillage:

• Plough soil 2–3 times to a fine tilth and remove previous crop residues, allowing better root establishment.
• Harrowing evens out the surface and eliminates large clods or stones.

Weed and Debris Clearance:

• Remove all weeds and stubble to reduce pest and disease risks before sowing.
• Clean land ensures even seed placement and less competition for nutrients.

Manure Incorporation:

• Mix 3–5 tons/ha of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure into the soil 2–3 weeks before planting.
• This improves water retention, structure, and soil health.

Soil Levelling:

• Level the land with a plank to avoid waterlogging, crucial for pea root health.

Pest Prevention:

• If termites or soil insects are common, embed recommended safe soil insecticides before planting.

High-Yielding and Hybrid Seed Selection:

Certified Seeds:

• Always choose certified, disease-free seeds from respected sources for uniform growth and better germination.
• Avoid home-saved or mixed pea seeds as they may carry disease or be genetically weak.

Best Varieties:

• Select varieties suitable for local climate and soil; regionally successful options include T-163, Rachna, and Shubhra.
• Hybrid or improved seeds may offer resistance against wilt and powdery mildew.

Seed Quality Testing:

• Perform simple float or germination tests before sowing to ensure viability.

Seed Renewal:

• Replace seed stock every 2-3 seasons for better yields and pest resistance.

Consult Experts:

• Follow recommendations from agricultural departments for best results in your area.

Seed Treatment:

Fungal Protection:

• Treat seeds with Thiram or Carbendazim (2g/kg of seed) to prevent root rot and wilt.

• Coat evenly and dry in shade before sowing.

Biofertilizer Application:

• Use Rhizobium or PSB inoculants to enhance nitrogen fixation and initial growth.

Hot Water Treatment:

• For disease-prone areas, soak seeds in hot water (50°C) for 10 minutes and dry before use.

Treated Seed Timing:

• Plant immediately after treatment to preserve active coating.

Benefits:

• Proper seed treatment ensures better standing, healthier seedlings, and reduces future disease outbreaks.

Sowing and Planting Methods:

Sowing Window:

• Sow as soon as the field is workable and soil moisture is right, usually from October to November in India’s major pulse zones.

Spacing:

• Plant seeds 30-40 cm apart in rows and 5-6 cm deep, ensuring air movement and sunlight.

Seed Rate:

• Use 60–70 kg of seed/ha with adjustment for large or small seed sizes.

Sowing Tools:

• Seed drills guarantee uniform depth and placement; broadcast sowing is less preferred.

Moisture Management:

• Place seeds in moist soil for swift germination and strong early growth.

Nutrient and Fertilizer Management:

Organic Input:

• Well-rotted manure at sowing boosts soil microbes and early vigor.

Recommended Fertilizer:

• Typically, 20–25 kg phosphorus (P2O5)/ha is applied; avoid heavy nitrogen as peas self-fix with root nodules.
• Zinc or boron may be added on deficient soils.

Split Fertilizer:

• Basal application at planting is best; supplement lightly at early flowering if needed.

Micronutrient Boost:

• Foliar sprays of micronutrients improve pod filling in nutrient-poor soils.

Soil Testing:

• Always base applications on soil test results advice.

Irrigation and Water Management:

Critical Stages:

• Maintain adequate soil moisture at germination, flowering, and pod filling.
• Excess watering should be avoided during maturity to prevent pod rot.

Frequency:

• 2–4 irrigations are typical in low-rainfall areas; rainfed crops may only need one at pre-flowering.

Methods:

• Furrow or sprinkler irrigation recommended for even distribution.

Water Savings:

• Mulching conserves soil moisture and reduces need for frequent watering.

Drainage Importance:

• Good drainage is essential, especially on heavy soils, to prevent diseases.

Intercultural Operations:

Weeding:

• Perform 2–3 timely seedings, especially during early crop stages, to prevent nutrient and light competition.

Hoeing:

• Light hoeing after the first irrigation improves aeration and helps roots expand.

Row Spacing Management:

• Keep rows clear of weeds to ensure air flow and rapid drying after rain.

Herbicide Use:

• Use only recommended, safe herbicides when weeds are dense and manual labor is not feasible.

Residue Handling:

• Remove or incorporate crop residues at season’s end to suppress future weeds and pests.

Pest Management:

Common Pests:

• Watch for pod borers, aphids, cutworms, and leaf miners – the main yield reducers for peas.

Monitoring:

• Inspect fields weekly, especially during flowering and podding stages.

Natural Controls:

• Encourage ladybugs and other natural predators; use neem-based sprays for light infestations.

Chemical Controls:

• Apply recommended insecticides only when pest populations reach damaging levels.

Rotation and Sanitation:

• Rotating with cereals and removing plant debris after harvest reduces pest build-up.

Disease Management:

Major Diseases:

• Powdery mildew, wilt, root rot, and ascochyta blight are the main threats to split yellow peas.

Resistant Varieties and Treatment:

• Use disease-resistant seeds and treat all planting material before use.

Crop Rotation:

• Avoid pea or bean crops in the same field every season.

Fungicide Use:

• Apply only when disease incidence is confirmed; use at the correct stage.

Field Hygiene:

• Remove infected plants and ensure clean equipment to prevent disease spread.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management:

Harvest Timing:

• Harvest when pods turn yellow and seeds are hard but before complete drying to avoid shattering.

Harvest Method:

• Cut plants close to ground and stack to complete drying in the field.

Threshing:

• Use mechanical threshers or hand threshing as per scale, and clean grains before storage.

Drying and Storage:

• Dry seeds to 12% moisture and store in airtight or jute bags in clean, pest-proof granaries.

Market Readiness:

• Check for local price trends store crop till optimal sale timing.

Other Important Points

• Split yellow peas boost household food security and child nutrition as a low-cost superfood.
• They are an excellent source for plant-based diets and gluten-free recipes.
• For value addition, farmers can explore selling to dal mills, food processors, and via direct-to-market channels promoted by All about agriculture.
• Joining local agricultural groups, training, or online platforms brings new techniques for yield improvement.