Pods and peas belong to the legume family. They can be sown early in the spring in the open ground. After sowing, the plants form a vertical root with strong lateral roots. The plants form thin, hollow stems, varying in length from 50 cm to 2 metres per plant species. After fertilisation, by self-pollination, pods develop from the flowers. The size of the pod depends largely on the variety.
In Europe, around 750,000 hectares of peas are cultivated. Peas are the most important crop for frozen vegetables. Some 600,000 tonnes of them are processed every year.
Peas are very weather-dependent. Hot weather can cause flower buds to dry out, reducing production. In hot weather, the hardness of peas can increase rapidly. This should be a point of attention when planning the harvesting period. Peas require a great deal of care on the part of the grower. Good fertilisation is very important throughout the cultivation cycle, both through the soil and foliage.
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Soil preparation
Peas grow well in almost all types of soil. However, the preparation of the crop is very demanding. During germination and emergence, peas are very sensitive to poor soil structure. Excessive rainfall, including puddling, leads to uneven emergence and can even cause foot rot (caused by the fungus Botrytis). A seedbed that is too coarse can also lead to irregular emergence. A seedbed that is too fine can lead to crusting, which can cause a lack of oxygen in the soil. To avoid harvesting problems, it is important to create a seedbed that is as flat as possible.
Peas have a relatively high boron (B) requirement. Boron plays an important role in root development and largely determines pollen quality. Boron deficiency therefore has a direct effect on the crop. Particularly on soils with a slightly higher pH (pH > 6.2) and/or low organic matter content, it is therefore advisable to apply boron in one form or another during crop preparation. In combination with this, humic acid promotes both root development and soil properties, preventing boron and other trace elements from being leached out. It also has a positive effect on phosphate absorption. Complexed boron is easily absorbed.
Germination and emergence
Germination is a crucial phase in any crop. The young plant is sensitive to all sorts of stress factors around germination, in particular drought or excessive rain can lead to irregular emergence or even the loss of the plant.
Soiltech has no specific products for this stage.
Foliage development
As well as boron (B), peas are a crop that needs manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg). A lack of manganese can lead to "bad hearts", with pods not growing properly. Magnesium, like manganese, plays an important role in crop photosynthesis. A lack of magnesium slows growth and, consequently, yield. What's more, a crop deficient in nutrients is more susceptible to disease and pests. A deficiency will first appear in denser soil or around ruts.
Particularly on clay and sandy soils, which generally have a slightly higher pH (pH > 6.2), it makes sense to spray manganese during leaf development. Magnesium deficiency is more likely to occur on lighter soils. By spraying Optima Vigor+ during leaf development and flowering, manganese and magnesium requirements are met. In addition, Optima Vigor+ also contains nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca) and the most important trace elements, so the crop is supplied with a balanced diet and yields are increased. Our tests have also shown that Optima Vigor+ helps to increase yields, particularly in the premium 'very fine' and 'extra fine' quality classes.
Recommendation:
4 l/ha Optima Vigor+ around leaf development, flowering and/or ripening. Apply at an interval of approximately 14 days.
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Maturity
After flowering, the pods begin to form. In this phase of the crop, most attention is often paid to possible fungal and/or insect problems. However, the ongoing support of the crop should not be overlooked.
It is therefore advisable to continue treating with Optima Vigor+ during this phase. The calcium contained in Optima Vigor+ contributes to the firmness of the crop. The other nutrients contribute to optimum photosynthesis. During this process, the extra sugars produced are stored in the storage organs, helping to improve yields. Our tests have shown that Optima Vigor+ brings an increase in yield, particularly in the premium "very fine" and "extra fine" quality classes.
Recommendation:
4 l/ha Optima Vigor+ around leaf development, flowering and/or ripening. Apply at an interval of approximately 14 days.
Relevant products
Harvest
Soiltech does not offer any specific products for this stage.