Peas

Peas are a high protein and starch crop which can be used as an arable management tool and as a complementary forage. The starch provides a good source of fermentable energy when used with grass silage whilst the protein content is an ideal complement for wholecrop and maize silages.

Peas make an ideal break crop in an arable rotation as they not only fix nitrogen into the soil, but also increase soil organic matter after harvest cultivations. Their use as a protein source is of particular interest to organic farms.

Good management is essential to achieve the full potential of forage peas. They are a single cut crop and provide a high yield in a short period of time which reduces the harvest work load. Forage peas have a high buffering capacity making it difficult to achieve an effective preservation at lower dry matters. At higher dry matters, aerobic stability is a problem, so the use of a suitable additive is essential to preserve crop nutrients. wholecrop legume lowers the pH quickly in difficult conditions so the forage is well preserved and improves aerobic stability on high dry matter material.

Peas can also be harvested later in the season as moist crimp. Breaking the seed coat is essential before feeding to allow the animal to utilise the feed. biocrimp successfully preserves crimped peas when stored in a well sealed and consolidated clamp.