Growing faba bean and pea in the Nordic region

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) are cool-season grain legumes that pose different growing challenges and opportunities. Both are grown in the boreal-nemoral region (55 to 70°N) where the snow cover and temperatures below zero can last between three and six months. This practice note describes the main differences and similarities between them with regard to choosing the optimal site, their susceptibility to drought and waterlogging; weed management; pest and disease control; inoculation; harvesting and desiccation; and field management after harvest.