October Pulse Check 2022

In this season’s final Pulse Check we speak with Iain Ford, Business Development Manager at BASF, and get his thoughts on the role of pulses, the Pulse YEN and getting winter bean crops off to a good start this autumn.

1. Why do you think the interest in growing pulses is growing?

“Because they bring a wide variety of benefits – they are a good break crop, they have useful effects on soil texture and quality by improving the microbial balance, and they leave residual nitrogen which helps boost yields of following crops. In today’s world, they are a good protein source and have a good environmental profile.

“The high fertiliser prices are making growers question their rotation and the crops they are growing. Being nitrogen fixing, they don’t require the use of fertiliser and can help feed following crops. Growers are showing more interest as a result.

“The increase in human consumption markets are also helping to raise the profile of the crop. Increasingly we are questioning importing crops long distances. Soya is one of those that is used as a protein source in many food products and if we can grow our own, in the form of peas and beans, it has to better, certainly from a food miles perspective. There’s a lot more work and research ongoing, to produce different foods using pulses as the protein base.”

2. BASF sponsor a number of growers in the Pulse YEN, why? And what have you learnt so far?

“The main take-home messages so far have been around the fundamentals of good agronomy. It’s emphasised the need for attention to detail. Early results have highlighted the importance of suitable nutrition. Obviously, pulse crops don’t need nitrogen, but we need to look at potash, phosphate, and trace elements. It’s also shown that good weed and disease control is needed to maximise crop growth and yield.

“The longer Pulse YEN continues and the more growers that are involved, the better the data will become.”

3. Over the coming months growers will be planting winter beans, what should they be thinking about?

“Whether it is peas or beans, attention to detail is key. That means focusing on seedbeds. Just because they are a large sized seed, doesn’t mean they can be popped in the ground, and they will just grow. They need good soil to seed contact to encourage even germination and establishment.

“The better the seedbed, the better the root growth. We don’t want roots to be hampered by compaction, for example. PGRO say that it can hamper yields by up to 40%. If root growth is restricted in the autumn, crops can run into trouble in spring and summer droughts. They won’t be able to extract the water and nutrients they need.

“A good seedbed also helps with weed control. Winter beans are vulnerable to competition with optimum seed rates being relatively low and their tendency to be slow to get going. With very limited options post-emergence, a good quality seedbed helps get the most from pre-ems.

“With little option for a follow-up, it’s important to choose the most effective residual. Nirvana and Stomp Aqua are the current market-leaders and for good reason – both offer reliable weed control. Nirvana has the broadest spectrum. It’s active ingredients, pendimethalin and imazamox, are complimentary and effectively control a range of broadleaved weeds and makes a useful start on black-grass.

“Drilling depth is important too. Placing seed at least 3cm deep, covered by fine settled soil ensures crop safety but also helps with that soil-to-seed contact which gets them off to a good start.”

4. What your most frequently asked question when it comes to pulses?

“The main criticism I hear is that yields are quite variable…but when you look back at the data, yield fluctuations tend to mirror the variability of other crops which indicates that weather is playing a key role. The more focus we put on agronomy, the stronger and healthier the crop, and the more resilient they will be to these factors.”