Organic Farm Knowledge: Winter field peas as green manure before maize

On arable farms without livestock, nitrogen insufficiency can occur when cultivating nutrient demanding crops like maize. This can lead to yield losses and weed infestation. Use a green manure of winter field peas before growing crops that have a high nitrogen demand in the rotation.  Ploughing in winter field peas in spring can provide more than 100 kg of nitrogen to the following crop and increase yield. The improved development of the crop also leads to improved weed control. Possible disadvantages are growing costs and restrictions when cultivating peas as a main crop in the rotation. Find more benefits and practical recommendations in this Practice Abstract.