Legumes: The secrets of crops playing a decisive role in the world

Pea and lentil crops are increasingly recognized as valuable alternatives for enhancing the profitability and sustainability of agricultural systems, specialists highlighted during the recent Aapresid Congress in Rosario. Experts Gabriel Prieto and Adrián Poletti discussed the agronomic and commercial potential of these winter legumes.

These crops offer multiple benefits, including diversifying crop rotations, improving weed management, enriching soil with nitrogen, and mitigating production risks. The international scenario is also becoming more favorable, opening new avenues for expanding their cultivation and market presence.

Prieto emphasized the importance of crop health, noting a high pressure from diseases during the recent growing season due to environmental conditions. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of fields to ensure timely and efficient interventions, stating that while treatments were effective at various stages, acting too late became economically unviable. Careful planning was key to optimizing resources for disease management.

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The monitoring had to be permanent and continuous because, although it was possible to act successfully at all stages, it became uneconomical if not entered in a timely manner.

Beyond health concerns, Prieto pointed to the growing role of winter legumes in diversifying agricultural schemes beyond traditional wheat/soybean rotations. He explained that these legumes contribute significantly to the productive system, both agronomically and economically. Their shorter growing cycle and lower water consumption compared to other winter crops have also benefited second-season corn yields, enhancing the stability and margins of farming operations.

However, vascular diseases, particularly those caused by Fusarium, remain a significant challenge, as effective chemical or genetic control methods are still limited. Despite this, experts believe there is substantial room for increasing the cultivation and benefits derived from these essential crops.

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Legumes allowed for less extraction of native soil nitrogen due to this fixation.