Pea cultivation in Spain is quite common and is carried out in different regions of the country. Peas are considered a cool season crop and are mainly planted in spring to be harvested in spring or summer, depending on the varieties and local weather conditions.
Some of the pea regions in Spain
- La Rioja: In addition to its wines, it is an agricultural region where we find a large quantity of peas. They are used both raw and packaged or frozen.
- Navarra: Teardrop peas are a speciality of this region. These are smaller, very sweet peas that are harvested by hand and are considered a delicacy. They are often exported to other countries and used in gourmet dishes.
- Murcia: Se cultiva una cantidad significativa de guisantes, especialmente en la zona de Caravaca de la Cruz. Los guisantes de esta región se utilizan en platos típicos locales como el “Guisante con Jamón”.
- Castilla y León: In this region, peas are grown and used in various traditional dishes, such as soups and stews.
- Andalusia: Although pea cultivation is not as predominant as in other regions, they are also produced in some areas of Andalusia.
Irrigation management of peas in Spain
Irrigation, which is more necessary in central and southern Spain than in the north, is crucial to ensure healthy plant growth and optimal pea production in Spain.
Peas require an adequate supply of water for optimal growth, which is monitored with probes. During the initial stages of germination and seedling development, it is essential to keep the soil constantly moist but not soggy. Once the plants become strong, watering can be reduced, but sufficient water should still be provided to keep the soil moist.
The frequency of watering peas
- Water requirements: Peas are sensitive to lack of water, especially during their flowering and pod formation phase. During these stages, it is crucial to keep the root system environment moist but free of waterlogging, to ensure good pod formation and seed development.
- Watering Frequency: Watering frequency will depend on several factors, including climate, soil quality, and the growth phase of the peas. In general, it is better to use deep, less frequent watering rather than shallow, frequent watering. This encourages deeper root growth and better water absorption.
- Irrigation systems: Different irrigation systems can be used, such as: drip irrigation, el sprinkler irrigation or the furrow irrigation, depending on the availability of resources and the characteristics of the soil. Drip irrigation is especially efficient, as it provides water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and waste, and can even be buried.
- Controlling excess water: Although it is important to keep the soil moist, excess water can be detrimental to peas. Waterlogging can cause root problems and increase the risk of disease. It is essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Time of year: During the initial establishment of pea plants, it is essential to provide sufficient water to ensure good rooting. As the plants grow and develop, watering should be adjusted according to weather conditions and plant needs.
- Constant monitoring: It's important to watch for signs of water stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, to adjust watering as needed.
- Improved crop quality monitored by probes: Maintaining adequate soil moisture levels supports healthy plant growth. Sensors allow farmers to adjust irrigation based on plant needs, which can improve crop quality and yield.
- Cost Savings: By avoiding over-irrigation, water and energy costs associated with pumping and distributing irrigation water are reduced.
- Prevention of water stress: Humidity sensors help farmers detect early signs of water stress in plants. This allows corrective measures to be taken before serious damage occurs.
- Planning and decision making: Data from moisture sensors can be combined with other data, such as weather information, to make informed decisions about when and how much to irrigate, influencing the scheduling of agricultural activities.
- Remote monitoring: Plantae humidity sensors are wireless and allow real-time readings, we can monitor soil conditions in real time via mobile phone or tablet.
- By providing plants with the right amount of water at the right time, humidity sensors can increase crop productivity and quality.
Salinity control
Soil salinity is an important factor to consider when growing peas. Salinity refers to the concentration of soluble salts in the soil, which can negatively affect the growth and development of peas.
- Salinity Tolerance: Peas are generally more sensitive to salinity compared to some other plants. When the concentration of salts in the soil is high, it can make it difficult for plant roots to absorb water and nutrients, leading to poor growth and other problems.
- Salt Stress Symptoms:Pea plants can show several symptoms of salt stress, such as yellowing leaves, dry leaf edges, and wilting. In addition, salt stress can reduce flower and pod production, which directly affects crop yield.
- Salinity control: To manage salinity in pea cultivation, it is best to control it with the conductivity sensors.
- We must also take into account the following factors:
- Drainage: The soil must have good drainage to avoid the accumulation of salts in the root zone. Planting in furrows is favourable.
- Adequate irrigation controlled by humidity probes: Water efficiently and in a balanced manner to leach salts from the soil profile. Avoid overwatering, as this can increase salt concentration as water evaporates.
- Soil Amendments: Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its structure and water holding capacity, which can reduce the impact of salinity.
- Crop Choice: If soil salinity is extremely high, consider planting more salinity-tolerant pea varieties if available.
- Irrigation with quality water: If the water used for irrigation is also saline, it can contribute to the accumulation of salts in the soil. If possible, use irrigation water with low salinity levels.
Staking of peas
Staking peas is a common practice in agriculture to help keep plants erect and promote better growth.
- Peas are climbing plants that require stakes to support their stems. You can use different types of stakes, such as wooden stakes, posts, trellises or wire mesh.
- Make sure the stakes are strong and tall enough to support the growth of the plants and the weight of the pods.
If you are looking for detailed information on the effects of irrigation probes on pea cultivation, click on the following link:
Probes in pea cultivation - Optimize irrigation
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