Aspects of Cultivation of Grain Legumes

Abstract

In spite of good arguments for home-growing of grain legumes their production areas in Germany decreased steadily for the last years. Main reasons are an unsatisfactory yield of the crop species pea, field bean, and lupin as well as considerable yield variation between years. This paper gives a rough survey of ingredients of the three grain legume species and summarizes the fundamental aspects of their cultivation. Special research requirements are seen in cultivation of winter types of these species. Special significance for preserving grain legume cultivation in Germany is attributed to the continuation of the few still existing breeding programmes as well as establishing domestic sales markets and financial impulsions for interested farmers.