Organic farming of pea in the northern hemisphere – a review. Acta Hortic
M. Olle, L. Lepse and I. Williams (2016)
Acta Hortic. 1123, 137-142
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1123.19
Abstract
Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a major human food crop. During the past two or three decades there has been a change towards organic cultivation. The aim here is to overview the main research results of the pea organic farming system to improve practices by farmers in northern hemisphere. Biofertilizers applied together with organic manures increase the yield of peas. Weeds can be reduced by the following methods: mulching, pre-emergence mechanical weed control at pre-emergence, harrowing in the early growth stages, a single pass of tine weeding either at pre-emergence or at the 2-leaf stage of the crop. On some occasions, two passes of the tine may be required to control new weed emergence. Pea varieties that grow fast and accumulate biomass (high seed weight cultivars) compete better with weeds. Foliar application of effective microorganisms with proper soil amendment and seed inoculation with Rhizobium coupled with soil application of organic manures can increase yields. Application of organic manures, irrespective of sources and rates, reduce the incidence of wilt. Choice of the right cultivar for organic cultivation is very important, but depends on local agro-climatic conditions. The chemical content of peas varies with different conditions.