Colton Trials and Lewiston Bio Cover Crop™

The following photos are a combination of the Colton spring pea trial site and the Bio Cover Crop™ location in Lewiston.

Colton Trial Site 
In Colton, spring green and spring yellow peas are being planted in plots and rows to evaluate varieties for potential release. Jackson and Jonah can be seen hand-planting F-1 seeds (the initial generation following a genetic cross) to evaluate early growth traits that are critical for future variety selection.
Ken is pictured on the tractor with the plot planter while another team member operates the cone (an attachment used to space the seeds during planting). Ken also worked on modifying the planter. By adjusting the spacing and adding a second cone, the team was able to plant two rows simultaneously, increasing efficiency.

Lewiston Bio Cover Crop™
​The Lewiston Bio Cover Crop™ trial, located on Wittman Farms, features a blend of two winter pea varieties: Pro 6101 (a normal-leaf pea) and Keystone (a semi-leafless type), along with volunteer wheat. Kurt conducted a field walk to assess plant health, observe growth patterns, and identify any anomalies. He also dug up several pea plants in different areas to check for nitrogen nodules.
The grower, Tom Conklin, planted and planned to terminate the Bio Cover Crop™ peas specifically to capitalize on the nitrogen deposits peas provide for the current and following crop.
As seen in one photo, peas can produce what are called “mega nodules.” These large, white root-associated clusters house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which enrich the soil and support plant development. Our current research aims to understand the factors that lead to the formation of mega nodules. Early hypotheses suggest that either genetic differences among pea varieties or specific environmental conditions may be responsible.
Once mature, the peas can be terminated through various methods, three common ones are spraying, roller crimping, or grazing. Conklin chose to spray the peas, allowing the next crop to benefit from both the nutrients left behind and the established root pathways created by the peas.
The data collected from both sites will help guide future breeding decisions and refine cover cropping practices to further optimize soil health and crop performance.