Pea (Pisum sativum)

Cool Season

Field pea is a vining annual legume that can fix a considerable amount of nitrogen through the growing season. Peas have a low tolerance to salinity, heat, and excess moisture. They perform best under cooler conditions with consistent moisture. They are relatively tolerant of shading. They are quite spring frost tolerant.

Seeds/pound: 2000 Seed/sq ft/pound of seed: 0.05

Uses:

  • Nitrogen builder
  • Hay source
  • Intercropping
  • Erosion control
  • Weed suppression
  • Grazing potential
  • Pollinator attracter

Strengths:

Vines will grow up other upright plants, vines will create ground cover once established.

Concerns:

Not competitive early in the season , may mature fairly quickly in the fall or under stress, disease resistance is moderate.

Grazing:

Best for stockpiled grazing. Not much regrowth after grazing.

Hay:

Good potential in a mix with grasses.

Mycorrhizal support? Yes