Scientific insights and practical strategies for optimizing winter pea cultivation in the Right Bank Forest Steppe
In the sweeping agricultural landscapes of Ukraine's Right Bank Forest Steppe, a quiet revolution is taking place. Winter peas, once a relatively minor crop, are now gaining prominence as farmers recognize their significant advantages over traditional spring varieties.
Tons of peas harvested in Ukraine in 2025
Increase from previous year
Higher yield potential than spring peas
As one of the top ten largest pea producers in the world, Ukraine harvested a remarkable 610,000 tons of peas in 2025, representing a 30% increase from the previous year, with winter peas contributing substantially to this growth 3 . This surge isn't accidental—it responds to climatic challenges and global market opportunities, including China opening its market to Ukrainian peas and India extending its zero tariff on pea imports 3 .
The particular focus on weed control in winter pea cultivation represents a critical nexus in sustainable agriculture. Weeds compete fiercely for resources, and understanding this dynamic is especially crucial in the Right Bank Forest Steppe, where water availability can be limited. Research has demonstrated that effective weed management in winter peas not only boosts yields but also enhances water use efficiency—a valuable trait in an era of changing climate patterns.
Winter peas (Pisum sativum L.) differ from their spring counterparts primarily through their extended growth cycle, which allows them to establish root systems in autumn, survive winter through cold acclimation, and resume vigorous growth in early spring.
This life cycle strategy enables winter peas to utilize winter moisture efficiently, a critical advantage in southern Ukraine where summer droughts can compromise spring crop yields. Studies show that at the beginning of spring vegetation recovery, winter pea plants already possess well-developed root systems that penetrate deep into the soil—up to 10 cm—while spring peas are just being sown 1 .
To understand the scientific basis for effective weed management in winter peas, we examine a comprehensive field study conducted in southern Ukraine that investigated the relationship between sowing rates, photosynthetic activity, and weed suppression.
The research team established a rigorous experimental design to quantify how different sowing rates influence the competitive ability of winter peas against weeds. The study compared multiple winter pea varieties across a range of seeding rates in the conditions of southern Ukraine 1 .
The findings revealed a complex relationship between sowing rate and weed suppression capability. Contrary to what might be intuitively expected, the research demonstrated that lower sowing rates often resulted in superior productivity per plant and more effective weed management through enhanced individual plant performance 1 .
| Sowing Rate | Leaf Surface Area | Biomass per Plant | Weed Density | Grain Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Moderate | High | Low | High |
| Medium | High | Moderate | Moderate | Highest |
| High | Highest | Low | Low-Moderate | Moderate |
Source: Field study data from southern Ukraine research 1
Data visualization based on research findings 1
The Enduro variety emerged as particularly promising, forming the "highest winter pea grain yield, on average over the years of research and according to the studied sowing rates" 1 . This superior performance was linked to its efficient photosynthetic system and ability to maintain productivity even at moderate sowing densities.
The research on winter peas reveals that effective weed management transcends mere elimination strategies and instead embraces ecological principles of competition and resource use. The relationship between winter peas and weeds represents a zero-sum game for limited resources, particularly water and nutrients.
One of the most significant findings from recent research is the water use efficiency of winter peas. These plants "use the moisture of the winter period and thanks to this form above-ground and underground biomass of plants even before the onset of summer drought" 1 .
The shading effect of a well-developed winter pea canopy represents another critical weed suppression mechanism. The crop's architecture and leaf arrangement determine its ability to intercept light before it reaches emerging weed seedlings.
| Characteristic | Winter Peas | Spring Peas |
|---|---|---|
| Root Development | Deep, established before winter | Develops during drying spring soils |
| Water Use Efficiency | High (uses winter moisture) | Lower (faces summer drought) |
| Weed Competitive Ability | Strong (early establishment advantage) | Weaker (emerges with weed pressure) |
| Yield Potential | 2-3 times higher than spring peas | Standard |
| Weed Control Requirements | Reduced due to competitive advantage | Higher |
Based on research comparing winter and spring pea performance 1
The research findings translate into several practical recommendations for farmers in the Right Bank Forest Steppe and similar agro-ecological zones.
Identify the optimal sowing rate for specific conditions rather than maximizing plant density.
Choose varieties with vigorous early growth and canopy development for natural weed suppression.
Ensure winter peas establish before winter weed species emerge through precise sowing timing.
The economic implications of these practices are substantial. By optimizing sowing rates rather than maximizing them, farmers can reduce seed costs while maintaining or even improving yields through enhanced individual plant performance and reduced weed competition.
Seed cost reduction
Yield improvement
Reduced herbicide use
Return on investment
Conducting rigorous research on winter peas and weed interactions requires specialized approaches and measurements. The following "toolkit" outlines critical components used in the featured experiment and related studies.
Quantifies canopy development and light interception potential of winter pea stands.
Measures photosynthetic capacity using handheld chlorophyll meters or laboratory analysis.
Tracks water availability at different soil depths to understand competition dynamics.
Provides objective measures of weed pressure through systematic sampling and weighing.
Uses portable photosynthesis systems to measure gas exchange rates.
Analyzes complex interactions between multiple variables to identify optimal parameters.
Field Setup
Data Collection
Analysis
Interpretation
Recommendations
The research on winter peas and weed control practices continues to evolve, with several promising directions emerging. The integration of precision agriculture technologies—including drone-based monitoring and targeted weed control—offers potential for further optimizing management strategies.
The expansion of pea production in Ukraine appears set to continue, with predictions that "in 2026, the sown areas for peas may increase by another 15-20%" 3 . This growth reflects both the economic viability of pea production and the successful development of management practices that optimize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
In conclusion, the sophisticated understanding of weed control in winter pea production represents a shift from direct intervention to ecological management. By leveraging the natural competitive advantages of winter peas through optimized sowing rates and variety selection, farmers in the Right Bank Forest Steppe can achieve sustainable productivity in this valuable crop. The research demonstrates that sometimes, the most effective control comes not from eliminating competitors, but from strengthening the crop's inherent ability to claim its place in the field.