Culture and Utilization of the Field Pea 



735 



Long experienc-e with the field pea has indicated tliat clay loams 

 of limestone formation are best suited to its culture. As in the 

 case with most other legumes, the field pea thrives best in a cal- 

 careous soil. Where the soil is not of limestone fo'imation, it 

 is advantageous to add lime frequently. Good drainage is essen- 



FiG. 678. — Fruiting Branch of a Field-Pea Vine, 

 Showing the Characteristics of Stem and 

 Leaf and the Succession of Bloom and Pods. 



tial for success with the field pea. It grows well on moist soils, 

 but will not succeed in locations where standing water occurs or 

 where the soil is habitually soggy, 



vakieties 

 The variety of field pea gi'own in any region depends primarily 

 upon its adaptation to soil and climatic conditions and to the 



