Forage pea/canola
THE THEORY
Intercrop peas with a more stable, upright plant (trellis) to reduce lodging and decrease the chance of fungal pathogens.
Pea provides nitrogen for companion crop (reduced inputs)
Large seed size makes for easy separation
Balance C:N (Legume + high carbon companion)
Take advantage of the evergrowing speciality pea market. (cover crop market)
* Disclaimer: these are only guidelines we have adopted from our own experiences with this intercrop. Each environmental condition will be different and encourage you to try your own rates and practices you are comfortable with.
Forage pea/canola
seeding information
2 Ibs of Clearfield Canola
55 Ibs of 4010 Forage Peas
Pea Inoculant
Fertilizer applied: Crystal Green Phosphorus
Forage pea/canola
herbicide management
Pre-emerge glyphosate
Oddysey + Assure
Pre-harvest reglone
No fungicide applied but a micronutrient package is recommended at early flower (pea timing)
Forage pea/canola
harvest options
Separation: was done by a 7 cylinder Kwik Kleen. Once the settings were adjusted and the kinks were worked out, the separation was fast (up to 2000 bu/hr) It was separated off the combine.
Harvest: 28 bu/acre of forage peas ($13.50/bu) and 9 bu/acre of canola.
Harvestability: Combine was set for canola settings. Clean sample. Few splits.
Forage pea/canola
most common mistake/advice
Although the canola did a good job holding the peas up throughout most of the field, there were parts where the peas overwhelmed the canola stand and pulled everything to the ground. We will try a higher rate of canola next year.