Pea, Lentil, Chickpea & Soybean Yield Study To Be Presented July 12

Dr. Bill ‘William’ Franck, MSU-EARC research scientist, will be presenting the last talk of the day at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center Field Day at 12:25 p.m. He will present inoculant study in pea, lentil, chickpea, and soybean for yield and protein improvement.

Dr. Franck has a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, he will present the studies that are aiming at enhancing the pea protein concentrations through various agronomic practices, such as using different Rhizobium inoculants and application method, applying micronutrients and plant growth promotion regulators, as well as selecting superior pea varieties.

Montana and North Dakota are the two leading states for pulse crop production, such as dry peas and lentils. Montana and North Dakota are known to be responsible for 80% of all dry pea and lentil production.

Pulse crops are known to be good for the farmer because they provide an income opportunity when the prices of grain crops are down, and pulse crops planted in rotation with other crops are shown to increase yields. Pulses are also great for breaking up disease cycles, and they put nitrates back into the soil, both of which save the producer money by cutting their input costs.

According to MSU Extension, pulse crops are a good choice for diversifying your rotation. These legumes will get their nitrogen indirectly from the atmosphere, which reduces overall input and cost of fertilizer.

Franck has been studying of pea, lentil, chickpea, and soybean for yield and protein and will discuss his findings and share some practices on how to increase yield and protein content of the crops.

They are also good for the consumer because they are a high-fiber plant protein, that are quite filling and cost effective. More and more, pulses are being incorporated into flour and cereals, which is making the domestic market increase for these pulses.

To hear more about MSU EARC’s inoculant study in pea, lentil, chickpea, and soybean for yield and protein improvement, attend the 2022 EARC Field Day, July 12.