To evaluate the effect of sowing time on grain yield and biomass production of five pulse species (lentil, field pea, vetch, faba bean, and chickpea) under favourable soil moisture conditions in the Mallee region of NSW

Key Messages:

• Sowing time strongly influenced grain yield and biomass across most pulse species, with mid to late April sowing (SD1 and SD2) generally outperforming mid-May sowing (SD3).
• Field peas had the highest grain yield of all pulses, up to 2.5 t/ha, with early sowing improving both yield and biomass by more than 3 t/ha compared to mid-May sowing.
• Lentil yields were maximised by early sowing, with GIA Thunder performing best (1.9 t/ha). Delaying sowing to mid-May reduced yield by 0.3–0.4 t/ha and halved biomass production.
• Vetch yield and biomass declined significantly with later sowing. Timok and Volga yielded higher than Studenica, and hay dry matter was 1.7 t/ha lower when sowing was delayed to mid-May.
• Faba bean grain yield was 0.45 t/ha higher when sown in mid-April compared to mid-May. PBA Marne was the top-performing variety (1.5 t/ha average), and early sowing boosted biomass by nearly 2.3 t/ha.
• Chickpea grain yield was stable across sowing dates (average 1.2 t/ha), but early sowing improved biomass. Later sowing may have benefited from a timely rain event in October.
• Good soil moisture from summer rain and well-drained, fertile soils supported strong establishment across all sowing times, highlighting the importance of early sowing for maximising productivity in Mallee pulse crops.