Grain legume production in Europe holds significant potential to increase protein security and improve sustainable crop production. Despite this, less than 2% of European arable land is devoted to legumes, and the demand for domestic protein-rich feed and gluten-free products remains unmet. Traditional grain legumes such as peas, field beans, and lupins, as well as non-traditional ones like soybeans, grass peas, and chickpeas, are actively encouraged in many European countries. However, the yield potential of these species is currently low, and their resilience to drought is largely unknown.
Grain legumes face a yield gap due to biotic and abiotic stresses and a knowledge gap regarding their cultivation, especially in non-traditional regions. Low yield stability, particularly in comparison to winter cereals, is a significant barrier to widespread adoption of these crops. As climate change exacerbates these challenges, improving yield stability and drought resilience is crucial.
This pilot study builds on previous research conducted over the last two years, which aims to adapt non-traditional grain legume species to Central Europe’s cropping systems. Through field testing and farmer participatory trials in Northern Germany, the study explores strategies for improving the resilience and resource-use efficiency of grain legumes.
Specific objectives are:
- Investigate the responses of grain legume crops to experimentally reduced precipitation in field conditions to understand drought resilience.
- Assess the impact of drought stress timing (flowering vs. pod development) on:
- Grain yield
- Yield structure
- Chemical composition
- Explore innovative agronomic approaches to enhance legume-rhizobia symbiosis, particularly under conditions simulating climate change effects.
- Evaluate commercially available inoculants to maximize chickpea grain yield, protein content, and stability under both irrigated and drought conditions.
- Analyze the adaptability of traditional and non-traditional grain legumes via field experimentation in diverse environments in Northern Germany.
- Expand farmer networks and support innovations in the grain legume feed and food sectors in Northern Germany.
- Measure the nitrogen contribution from various legume species to following crops using different ecosystem service methodologies.
- Collect input data to compare soil nitrogen supply and fertilizer replacement value across different legume species in continental pedoclimatic zones.
- Assess ecosystem benefits of different legume species and varieties for soil health and sustainability.
- Supply data for evaluating crop and soil productivity and soil health in legume-cereal sequences.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative communication among legume growers in Brandenburg.