Austrian winter peas are a late summer-seeded nitrogen-fixing annual legume, capable of producing up to 90-150 lbs. N/acre. According to the University of Arkansas, they are rated as “very good” – not only as a nitrogen source but also as a topsoil loosener.
Seeding Rate (lbs. / acre) -> needs to be inoculated and drilled <-
- Drill: 30-50
- Broadcast: not recommended
- In a mix: 10-25
– Planting depth: 1/2”–1”
– Approximate seeds/lb: 3,500
– Days to germination: 7–10
Austrian Winter Peas Benefits & Info
- Cold-tolerant (more cold tolerance than Canadian field peas); viney
- Green manure option that decomposes quickly
- Works well when combined with Scav-N-Ger® radish
- Most effective with 6-8 weeks of growth in the fall to maximize nitrogen production
- Expect winterkill when temperatures fall below 18° F, especially without snow cover
- Keep off water-logged soils
The above two pictures show the value of Austrian winter pea inoculation. The left picture shows massive nodules which will likely be converted into corn yield. The picture on the right shows inoculated peas vs. uninoculated peas in a side-by-side plot.
Ground coverage on Austrian winter peas doesn’t always mean a weed-free field. The hope on this dairy is winter survival and a large amount of biomass the following spring.
The pics above from Mercer County, OH show the potential of Austrian winter peas when they do survive the winter. However, the biomass also proves to be a challenge during planting; the results do often justify the pain. In this particular scenario, the farmer was under the assumption that the peas would winterkill (they sometimes do). These were planted in a mix (Groundbreaker Mix) and the radish did in fact freeze out. However, he got more than he bargained for with the spring growth of the peas.
Forage Considerations
- Vail™ Winter Peas were selected for forage quality and cold tolerance
- Forage value increases when mixed alongside oats or small-grain
- Forage-type winter peas have low tannin (white flowers)
- Forage-type exhibit increased biomass vs. Austrian winter peas
Please Reach Out With Questions