Planting date and seeding rate of field pea in the semi‐arid high plains of Nebraska

Results from initial experiments in western Nebraska suggest that opportunity exists to decrease seeding rates of pea (Pisum sativum L.) optimize yield while maintaining partial net return. Refined planting recommendations, especially time, are still largely unknown for Nebraska. This experiment evaluated the effects and dates on emergence, grain yield, components. Two locations were 2018 2019. Treatments consisted three five arranged as a split-plot design. Emergence was measured each plot until emergence stabilized. Whole plant biomass, pods plant–1, seeds harvest index recorded at harvest. Planting later resulted increased density decreased time 50 90% emergence. date also changed economically optimal population. At Sidney 2018, population 96 plants m–2 (early) 115 (late) 82 (middle). Partial return by US$26.74 ha–1 US$65.43 with middle over early late dates. Across site-years, only varied 4 between Later improves percent without reducing yield. Seeding have been adjusted expected germination should target 70 109 Final influences more than date, although both affect response.