In one Minnesota study, nitrate-N was increased significantly in only one of four locations. These results are similar to those obtained from field bean and soybean studies. Wheat yields following lupine were greater in two of four Minnesota locations. Experimental selections are currently being evaluated in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. In 1988 the most commonly grown variety in Wisconsin and Minnesota was Ultra, however seed of Primorsky, Kiev, and other varieties were available.
Lupine is a poor competitor with weeds, and is slow to develop a full canopy.
For this reason effective weed control is essential for success with this crop. Poor lupine performance in Minnesota and Wisconsin has often been associated with poor weed control. Select fields free of perennial weeds like quackgrass, milkweed, bindweed, Canada thistle, etc. Avoid fields with atrazine residues and high levels of annual weed seed buildup in the soil. Early planting will give the crop a headstart on many weeds.