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    GrassLopata

    Windham Winter Peas

    Dwarf growth habit with upright stance

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    Winter peas are a rapid, low growing annual legume used across the country as a nitrogen fixing cover crop and/or quickly decomposing green manure crop. The forage value of winter peas, along with their overall management are benefited when planted alongside a cereal grain.

     

     

    CHARACTERISTICS:

    Non-Forage Benefits:
    1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

    Compaction Alleviation: 2
    Weed Suppression: 4
    Biomass Production: 3
    Erosion Control: 3
    Disease/Pest Control: 3
    Pollinator/Beneficials: 4
    P & K Cycling: 2
    Ease of Establishment: 4

    Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Fixer

    Nutritional Value:
    Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

    Crude Protein:
    NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: 0.60
    ADF%²: 38
    NDF%³: 54
    TDN: 70
    DM Tons/Acre: 0.5-2
    Days to First Harvest: Spring

    ¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
    ²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
    ³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

    Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
    Graze: Better
    Baleage: Good
    Chop: Best

     

     

    SEEDING:

    Planting Time:
    Aug.-Sept.

    Seeding Rate:
    Mono (lbs./acre): 30-80
    Mix (lbs./acre): 10-30
    Forage (lbs./acre): 40-60
    Aerial (lbs./acre): NR

    Seeding Info:
    Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): 15:1-20:1
    Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1
    Seeds/lb.: 2,000
    Bulk Density (lbs./ft.): 52
    Aerial Application Rate: NR
    Germination Soil Temp.: 41 F
    USDA Hardiness Zone: 6
    Days to Emergence: 9

     

     

    MANAGEMENT:

    Considerations

    • Ideal soil pH 6.0–7.0
    • Not the best option to sequester nutrients and/or break up compaction
    • Large seed size makes broadcast applications more difficult
    • Mowing or forage harvest in spring will terminate crops
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    • Dwarf growth habit with upright stance
    • Improved winter hardiness over Austrian-type winter peas
    • Uniquely white-flowered and tannin-free (increasing palatability)
    • Strong nitrogen fixer and very high biomass potential
    • Quick growth; good for weed suppression
    • Plant 6-8 weeks before first frost to maximize growth and nitrogen production (bud stage or after)
    • Hardy to USDA Zone 6 (-5 to -10°F)
    • Spring peas planted in fall (as in SF 125) need 60-90 days to maximize growth