The series of trials was conducted to compare pulse species and varieties sown at different times on a sandy loam soil, typical of the soil type pulses are grown on in the Mallee.

The 2024 pulse sowing date trial showed that earlier sowing (mid-April) generally maximised grain yield and biomass across all pulse species, with significant yield declines observed when sowing was delayed to mid-May.

Lentils:

• GIA Thunder achieved the highest grain yield of 1.01 t/ha sown mid-April.
• Yield was maintained for early May sowing but fell 36% (0.44 t/ha) by mid-May.
• Peak biomass of 2.83 t/ha declined 40% with late sowing.

Field Peas:

• APB Bondi achieved 1.15–1.20 t/ha from mid-April to early May sowing.
• Mid-May sowing reduced yield by 18–25%, with peak biomass dropping to 2.15 t/ha.

Vetch:

• Volga consistently produced the highest yields (1.08 t/ha mid-April).
• Delaying sowing to mid-May cut biomass by 40–43%, and potential hay dry matter halved from 2.48 t/ha to 1.24 t/ha.

Faba Beans:

• Produced the lowest yields and biomass of all species, with minimal variation across sowing dates.

Chickpeas:

• PBA Striker (desi) yielded 0.81 t/ha sown mid-April, ~20% higher than kabuli Genesis 090.
• Biomass followed a similar trend, declining with later sowing.

Key Takeaway:
Sowing pulses in mid-April consistently produced the highest yields and biomass across species, while delaying sowing to mid-May led to large reductions in productivity, especially for lentils, vetch, and field peas.