Evaluating alternative pulse options for low rainfall regions

There has been increasing interest from growers and agronomists in low rainfall farming regions to evaluate alternative break crop options to field peas. Field peas are generally well suited to low rainfall farming systems and have historically been the main pulse option for the upper Eyre Peninsula region. However, record high prices and new varieties with improved agronomic characteristics has renewed interest in alternative pulse options. This is the second consecutive year for this trial and alternative pulse crops to field peas performed poorer in the 2015 season compared to the 2014 season. 2014 saw yields well above the long term averages due to favourable conditions and above average rainfall. Crop means for 2014 have been included for reference.