Input Interactions on Field Pea Seed Yield and Quality.

Previous research has concentrated on one aspect of field pea production, however, the effect of combining inputs on field pea yield is unknown.  The objective of this project is to determine which inputs contribute most to field pea seed yield and which combinations of inputs produce the highest pea yield and best economic return.  Trials conducted at Scott, Swift Current, Melfort and Indian Head, Saskatchewan in 2012-2014 included 22 treatments, starting with an “empty” input package (seeding rate of 60 seeds m^-2 with liquid inoculant), and the effects of additional inputs such as high seeding rate (120 seeds m^-2), foliar fungicide, seed treatment, granular inoculant or 30 lbs N/ac “starter” fertilizer both alone and in various combinations; the “full” input package received all five of the additional inputs.  Using high seeding rates and foliar fungicides appear to increase seed yield most consistently.  Granular inoculants and seed treatments had less consistent effects on seed yield, while starter N fertilizer never had beneficial effects on seed yield.  Combining multiple inputs generally did not increase yields in a synergistic or sequentially additive fashion.  Under both low and high price conditions with relatively high yields achieved, the highest economic returns resulted from using high seeding rate alone or a combination of high seeding rate, foliar fungicide and granular inoculant.