Canada has a large land base that is well suited for growing a wide range of pulse crops. More than 5.7 million acres Canada-wide are seeded to pulse crops each year. In Saskatchewan we produce peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, soybeans and faba beans.
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Lentils
Green and red lentils are the the most widely grown lentil classes in Saskatchewan. More limited production of speciality varieties such as black Beluga, French green, and Spanish brown lentils are also produced. Lentils are primarily grown for human consumption.
Lentils are well suited to direct seeding cropping systems. Lentil seedlings tend to be vigorous and can emerge through crop residue and grow from greater depths, versus some crops traditionally grown in Saskatchewan.
More about SeedingWeeds, diseases, and insects have the ability to severly impact lentil yields and quality. Management of these requires a long-term strategy involving the entire crop rotation.
More about Field ManagementLentils are considered mature when the bottom third of the pods turn yellow to brown and rattle when shaken. This is the stage recommended for swathing, desiccation, or pre-harvest herbicide application.
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Peas
Yellow and green cotyledon peas are the most widely grown pea classes in Saskatchewan. They are typically grown for human consumption and livestock feed markets.
Peas are a cool season crop, typically grown and adapted for cool temperate zones such as Western Canada.
More about SeedingPea crops are subject to a number of weeds, diseases, and insects that can reduce yield and quality. All of these pests can be minimized through an integrated and preventative management approach.
More about Field ManagementPea plants mature from the bottom to the top, and are near maturity when the bottom 30 per cent of pods are ripe, the middle 40 per cent of pods and vines are yellow-coloured, and the upper 30 per cent of pods are turning yellow.
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Soybeans
Soybeans are adapted to a wide range of soil types in southeastern Saskatchewan where they receive the warm weather they need. Soybeans have become a dominant crop in world oilseed trade and are used for both human consumption and livestock feed markets.
Soybeans are a legume plant with a branched tap root and are sensitive to day length in their growth and reproduction, requiring sufficient heat and moisture to perform well.
More about SeedingSoybeans are susceptible to a number diseases, weeds, and especially insects that can significantly affect soybean yield and quality. Crops should be scouted throughout the growing season to monitor for damage, and control measures only taken if economic thresholds are reached.
More about Field ManagementSoybeans begin to mature as defoliation begins. Leaves begin to dry down and fall off the main stem, while pods turn brown and the seeds will rattle when fully mature.
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Chickpeas
Desi and Kabuli chickpeas are the two market classes produced in Saskatchewan. Desi types have smaller, angular seeds with yellow to brown seed coats. Kabuli types have a rounded seed with a cream-coloured coat. Chickpeas are grown for human consumption.
Chickpeas fit well into a direct seeding crop system under both minimum and no-till soil management. Chickpeas prefer well-drained land or soil with lighter texture.
More about SeedingDisease and weeds can significantly affect the yield and quality of chickpeas, moreso than insects. It is important to have an long-term strategy in place, and be aware of control options available, to mitigate these issues.
More about Field ManagementChickpeas are considered ready to harvest when the majority of the plants are yellow and most pods are mature. At this stage, the top of the plant may still be green.
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Faba Beans
There are two types of faba beans grown in Western Canada: tannin and low-or near zero-tannin types. Large-seeded tannin types are suited for human consumption markets, with Egypt being the main importing country. The smaller low-tannin types are used mainly for livestock feed domestically.
To maximize the benefits of faba beans in your rotation, choose fields that have low nitrogen levels. Fallow fields, or fields with failed crops from the previous season, may have higher levels of available nitrogen.
More about SeedingThere are a number of pests that can affect the yield and quality of faba beans. Field scouting and an integrated pest management plan can help control weeds, diseases, and insects in your faba bean crop.
More about Field ManagementFaba beans mature in 110 to 130 days depending on moisture conditions. As the crop matures, the lower leaves darken and drop, the bottom pods turn black and dry from the bottom to the top of the plant.
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Dry Beans
Pinto beans are the most widely grown bean class in Saskatchewan, followed by more limited production of navy, black, and small red beans. Dry beans are primarily grown for human consumption in North America and the United Kingdom.
Dry beans are a dicot crop with epigeal emergence, meaning that after germination, the cotyledons and the growing point push up above-ground.
More about SeedingDry beans are not competitive against weeds and are susceptible to many different diseases and insects. Good management practices can help mitigate risks from pests in your dry bean crop.
More about Field ManagementSeveral different techniques are used to harvest dry beans focused on reducing seed damage and losses. Quality is very important, and seed coat colour and viability must be high for seeds headed to the edible market.
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Fenugreek
Fenugreek originates from two distinct regions: the Indian sub-continent and the Eastern Mediterranean Region. There are many uses of fenugreek including use as an herb, spice, flavouring, vegetable, animal feed, medicinal, pharmaceutical, health food ingredient, and industrial applications.
Fenugreek is a self-pollinated, small-seeded annual legume that is grown on limited acres in Saskatchewan as a grain crop. Fenugreek is an erect, hardy annual plant.
More about SeedingFenugreek seedlings emerge quickly after planting, but grow slowly in the spring compared to many other legume crops. They do not compete well with early-season weeds.
More about Field ManagementFenugreek is later maturing and matures about the same time as late wheat varieties. A flex header is recommended for direct combing and cylinder or rotor speed of about two-thirds of wheat is suggested.
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