Cutting height was 2.5 inches. Addition of peas increased yield moderately when adequate moisture was present. This was especially at lower seeding rates. In addition to cost, higher pea seeding rates mean slower drydown during harvesting. The final seeding rates selected should be adjusted down if moisture may be limiting and seed cost is higher.
Peas vary widely in seed size.
While the studies above were conducted with Trapper peas and seed rates are expressed for this variety, the actual seeding rate should be adjusted for the pea variety used as shown in fig 3. Further, the pea component does not change in quality as fast as oats, so the mixture has a longer harvest window than small grains by themselves. The silage is also more palatable. Disadvantages of the mixtures are greater seed cost, slower drying rate, and great lodging potential. To increase the probability of good winter survival, fall regrowth was not harvested in mid-October in any year.