Peas and Beans – grown in the UK

Key UK Legume Crops

Peas

Types & Uses:

• Field Peas: Often grown as a forage crop or processed for dry peas used in livestock feed.
• Garden/Edible Peas: Cultivated for fresh consumption, these varieties are known for their sweetness and tenderness.

Beans

Types & Uses

• Faba (Broad) Beans: The primary bean crop in the UK, grown for both human consumption and as a green manure to enrich soils.
• Other Bean Varieties: While runner beans and specialty beans are grown, these are typically on a smaller or more niche scale.

Peas frozen within 90 minutes of harvest

Peas Beans Legumes Pulses

As Peas and Bean are members of the Legume family of plants as they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.
They are also sometimes referred to as Pulses this term also includes lentils and chickpeas. The term “pulse” comes from the Latin word puls, which means “thick soup, potage, or broth”. 

Agronomic Benefits

• Nitrogen Fixation: Like other legumes, peas host Rhizobium bacteria, which help convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use, thereby improving soil fertility.
• Crop Rotation: They are valuable in rotations to break disease cycles and improve soil structure.
• High Protein Content: Faba beans, in particular, are prized for their nutritional quality, making them useful for both direct consumption and as a protein source in animal diets.
• Soil Improvement: Their nitrogen-fixing ability also contributes to sustainable farming practices by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Quick agronomy facts:

	Peas	Beans
Seed Rate kg/Ha	200	250
Nitrogen (N) kg/Ha	0	0
Phosphate (P) kg/Ha	40-100	40-100
Potash (K) kg/Ha	40-100	40-100
Av . Yield t/Ha	4.0	4.35

Cultivation & Management Practices

The Frozen Pea Food Story from Discovering-Our-Countryside

• Sowing & Harvesting:
  • Timing: Both peas and beans are generally sown in spring; however, some field pea varieties may be sown in autumn depending on the intended use and regional climate.
  • Soil Requirements: They thrive in well-drained, fertile soils. Pre-sowing soil tests are recommended to optimize fertility and pH levels.
• Pest & Disease Management:
  • Common pests include aphids and pea weevils, which can affect yield and quality.
  • Fungal diseases like ascochyta blight in peas or rust in beans can be problematic. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices—including crop rotation, resistant varieties, and careful monitoring—are essential for minimizing losses.
• Crop Rotation & Sustainability:
  • Rotating legume crops with cereals or root crops helps prevent disease buildup and improves soil structure and fertility.
  • The natural nitrogen fixation reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, supporting more sustainable farming systems.

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Market & Educational Considerations

• Market Demand:
  • There is growing interest in plant-based proteins, which has increased demand for pulse crops such as peas and faba beans.
  • Both human consumption and animal feed markets benefit from these crops, making them economically significant.
• Learning Points for Apprentices:
  • Understanding Legume Physiology: Grasping how nitrogen fixation works and its benefits to the soil can inform better crop planning and rotations.
  • Disease & Pest Control: Learning to identify and manage common issues is vital for maintaining crop health.
  • Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing the environmental benefits of legumes (like reduced fertilizer needs) helps build a case for sustainable agriculture practices.

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This summary provides a snapshot of why peas and bean crops are not only central to UK agriculture but also an excellent learning platform for aspiring agricultural professionals. Understanding these crops—from their biological benefits to their market roles—equips apprentices with the knowledge to manage legume crops effectively and sustainably.