A review of pea yields in South Australia showed a general decline between 1983 and 1994 in the medium and high rainfall areas of the State. To examine whether changes in farm practice were associated with these trends a survey of farmers in the major pea growing areas of South Australia was conducted in 1999. Only 30 of farmers reported an increase in pea yields in the last decade compared to 98 reporting an increase in wheat yields over the same period. Farmers acknowledge that field peas have contributed to increased wheat yields but are searching for ways to improve pea yields. The disease Blackspot was identified as the major limitation to pea production. Compared to the mid 1980s, most farmers have delayed sowing and widened rotations in an attempt to minimise the effect of blackspot. Farmers have increased sowing rates and fertiliser use in the last decade.

Address: PO Box 787, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Telephone: 61 2 4369 6006
Fax: 61 2 4369 6090
Website: http://www.regional.org.au/au/asa/2001/2/a/peck1.htm