Pea Straw Fertilizes Soil

EDMONTON - Sep 9/04 - SNS -- Field pea growers need to consider the financial benefits of incorporating straw back into the soil as opposed to baling and selling it as livestock feed, argues Mark Olson, provincial pulse extension specialist, Crops Development Centre North, Edmonton.

Once broken down by the soil microflora, field pea straw provides valuable nutrients for the following crop. As a result, Olsen says the money made from selling the straw may be less than the value of incorporating it.

"The total cost of nutrients removed varies considerably depending on the total pounds per acre of straw removed (see table following)," he said.

"Added to the value of the nutrients is the cost of baling straw ($5 to $12 per bale) and hauling ($3.50 to $7 per bale) which must be taken into consideration. These numbers are based on the Farm Operations Cost Guide 2004."

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here