Winter peas

As a protein crop, peas are primarily used in animal feed. Their use in human food and as an ingredient is growing rapidly. Sown between late October and mid-December and harvested in June and July, winter peas simplify the farming schedule because their sowing and harvesting dates are staggered relative to wheat, rapeseed, and other major spring crops. Peas are one of the best preceding crops for wheat and rapeseed; they help regulate diseases in the main crops and aid in weed control within the rotation. By fixing nitrogen from the air through symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules, winter peas require no nitrogen fertilizer and leave nitrogen for the next crop, as well as well-structured soil.