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Green Pea Production in North Dakota
FACT SHEET
PLANTING DATE: Late April - mid May. Peas can withstand mild frost of 20-24 degrees F without damage.
SEEDING RATE: Will depend on the seeds per pound of the chosen variety. A rule of thumb is that seeding rates of 170-180 pounds/acre for large seeding pea varieties, 150-170 pounds/acre for medium seeded pea varieties and 120 pounds/acre for small seeded pea varieties.
Eight plants per square foot is recommended for an optimum stand of field peas.
Always adjust seeding rate to account for the percent germination.
INOCULATION: Field peas must be inoculated with the right strain of rhizobia bacteria to fix nitrogen. The inoculant should be mixed with the seed at planting time.
SOIL CONDITIONS: Peas can be planted on nearly all soil types. Selecting fields that are well drained is very important.
SEEDING DEPTH: 2 - 3 inches.
FERTILITY REQUIREMENTS: Nitrogen: If properly inoculated, peas will fix their nitrogen requirements. Phosphorous: Required in large amounts. 20-40 pounds/acre depending on soil test and yield goal.
WEED CONTROL: Very important. Peas are poor weed competitors, especially early in the growing season. Consult the NDSU Extension Service Weed Control Guide for labeled herbicides in North Dakota.
POTENTIAL DISEASES: Root Rot, Sclerotinia, Bacterial Blight, Ascochyta.
HARVEST REQUIREMENTS: Swathed, then combined or straight harvested with a "raking" pickup attachment. Peas can be combined at 16-20 percent moisture.
To aid in producing high quality peas, harvest at 18-20 percent moisture and air dry at 16% moisture.
STORAGE: 16% or under.
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