Introduction of protein peas into crop rotations based on straw cereals and rapeseed: impacts on economic and environmental performance

A multi-partner initiative, based on regional case studies, aimed to assess the economic and environmental benefits of alternatives to the most common regional crop rotations consisting of straw cereals and rapeseed, in particular using peas, with or without adjustments to nitrogen fertilisation or crop protection. Modelling was used to quantify the agronomic effects and a wide range of environmental impacts of changes in crop rotation (including associated management practices) in ex ante comparisons of crop rotations. Field trials on farmers’ land and at experimental stations have provided new insights into certain agri-environmental effects of various crop combinations based on peas, rapeseed, wheat and barley, including the innovative practice of growing rapeseed after peas. The results highlight the benefits of diversifying crop rotations and introducing nitrogen-fixing legumes such as protein peas into cropping systems to reduce the negative environmental impacts of systems initially based solely on mineral nitrogen fertilisation.