Pulse Crops May Reduce Energy Use

Peas and lentils are the primary pulse crops in Montana. A new study released from the Montana State University states farmers who rotate pulse crops with wheat have reduced energy usage and a higher wheat yield than farmers who grow wheat exclusively. The study shows that the rotational effects on net energy productivity of cereals was larger than the difference between pulse crops and cereals in the first year. Sustainable cropping systems specialist at MSU, Perry Miller says he was surprised by the results.

Miller says the results are more about helping farmers decide what to plant and there is value in knowing that pulse crops are energy efficient.