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Winter Pea
Legume
Image Source: 1
Image Source: 2
Estimated Cost
$0.51
($/lb)
Planting Window
Fall seeded, spring seeded
Best for
Winter stockpiling
Alternate Species
Spring Pea, Hairy Vetch, Red Clover, Crimson Clover
1. Tom Lawler 2021, Indigo Agriculture.
2. © Mirsky Lab 2020, CC BY-ND 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/> via https://covercrop.tools/images/Cover%20Crop%20Photos/Pea,%20Winter/Pea_winter_flowering_Mirsky_lab_2020b.jpg
Seeding Detail
Winter Pea
50.0
75.0
60.0
Additional Information
Why We Recommend This
Winter peas produce lots of biomass and their residue breaks down quickly, which builds up organic matter. They are more moisture efficient than some legumes, provide great forage for livestock, and can tolerate freezes as low as 10 F. They rapidly sequester N and can provide more than 100 pounds of N to subsequent crops. In wheat rotations, they have been shown to reduce take-all disease.
Things to Watch Out For
Winter peas are sensitive to heat, especially in humid climates. Their shallow roots make them more vulnerable to droughts. Winter peas grow best when companion crops can support growth and prevent rot. Be cautious of including winter peas in rotations with legumes, which are at risk of disease and aphid transfer.
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