Pulse rate lower

7 March 1997

Pulse rate lower

WARMER than average soils could allow pulse growers to trim seed rates this spring, according to ADAS.

Adequate moisture and warmth should see early March drillings establish well, it reasons. Normal losses from sowing now are about 10% for marrowfat peas and 13% for other types. But, provided land does not become too wet and stays warm, lower figures can be assumed, says ADAS.

PGRO target population for conventional-leaved pea varieties is 65 plants a sq m and for others 70. For beans, where the target population is about 40, it advises applying a 5% field loss figure in good conditions and 10% in poor ones. &#42