Peas as green manure: when to sow, for which crops it is suitable

Peas as a natural green manure is considered the best organic fertilizer to restore soil composition. With the help of an annual plant, it is possible to improve the saturation of the soil with minerals in a short time, and the unpretentiousness of cultivation does not make it necessary to spend energy on caring for the plant. To saturate the soil with useful elements and restore its properties, it is recommended to learn about the rules and features of using a crop as green manure.

Benefits of peas as green manure

The main benefit of bean green manure is its effectiveness in restoring soil quality.The plant is characterized by intensive growth, the performance of which is one of the best among other siderates. In terms of growth rate, it ranks first among legumes.

The bean species has the ability to accumulate nitrogen and other nutrients, and then easily give them to the soil, making it more fertile. The benefits of crops to improve soil quality are:

• growth rate;
• frost resistance;
• cheap planting material;
• opportunity to get delicious fruits and improve soil quality at the same time;
• easy to harvest, no special tools are required for such work;
• good result in increasing soil fertility;
• ability to quickly improve soil quality;
• unpretentiousness in cultivation.

In addition to enriching the soil, green manure peas minimize the number of weeds and help prevent the emergence of pathogenic bacteria. The plant belongs to the group of excellent honey plants, which helps to attract beneficial insects, which are natural enemies of garden pests.

How do they affect the soil?

With the growth of horticultural crops, the soil is naturally loosened, which leads to a better ingress of water and air into the soil. Planting other horticultural crops in the future will help them grow better, as they will take root through existing air passages.

Planting a leguminous plant replenishes the nutritional value of the soil, it helps to saturate the soil with nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and many other trace elements. Pea roots prevent soil erosion and block the growth of weeds.

When and where to plant peas on green manure?

Sowing green manure can be done throughout the season, including before planting the main crop and after it has been harvested. Spring is considered the best time for planting. The possibility of carrying out work is determined depending on the region, it is possible to sow peas after the absence of threats of severe frosts. In most Russian regions, sowing in open ground is carried out in May. After 2 weeks from the first planting, the seeds are replanted, which prolongs the growth time of the plant.

The plant loves soil after nightshade, so it is recommended to plant it in place of the previous growth of potatoes or tomatoes. It is not recommended to plant legumes twice in the same place. Seeds can be planted dry, but germination is best after soaking in water for 4 hours.

Peas are sown to a depth of 5 cm, 2-3 cm are left between them, 25 cm are left between rows. There should be about 100 peas per 1 m^{2. The following rules should be followed:}

• watering is carried out only during the drought period;
• until the moment of germination, it is recommended to stretch the net, as birds like to eat seeds;
• planting site needs to be periodically cleared of weeds;
• Sprouts need extra support for better growth.

To prevent pea diseases, it is recommended to sow mustard or basil at the planting site, such plants repel most legume pests.

Which crops are suitable for?

Grain and nightshade crops take root well in the beds after peas. Most often, peas are used in household plots for tomatoes and potatoes. Recommended planting legumes for planting white cabbage and cauliflower.The plant quickly goes into a rest period, so it can be mowed green, when rotting, long shoots and a developed root system of the plant help to saturate the soil with nutrients that are required for the growth of other crops.

When and how to remove green manure peas?

Green manure peas grow until it is time to plant the main horticultural crop. Full maturation occurs at week 12, some species require 16 weeks for this. There are several options for harvesting the plant:

• a simple way is to simply dig the site, in which green manure is planted in the soil, and the main crop sits on top;
• use of a flat cutter, with which the green manure stems are cut a couple of centimeters deeper than the soil level, after which a vegetable crop is planted, the cut tops are used for soil mulching;
• holes are made next to the main crop and peas grow with the plant, as soon as the legume sprouts 5 cm, the shoots are cut with scissors and placed on the breast.

The last method is time-consuming, but effective. To obtain a natural fertilizer, pea stalks can be cut and soaked in boiling water for 10 days. Such a remedy is a valuable source of nitrogen and potassium.

What diseases and pests helps?

Peas are effective against wireworms. Such a larva appears in acidic soils and is a threat to potato crops. The wireworm does not tolerate proximity to legumes, so the plant is considered an effective means of combating such a pest.

Planting peas help cope with root onion mites. The legume planting site attracts many beneficial insects, as the plant has excellent honey-bearing qualities.

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