Peas and beans, like other legumes, are useful in rotation because they fix their own nitrogen. Because of this ability, they require fewer fertility inputs. Good soils are important for legume crops.

Rhizobium bacteria inoculants are available from many seed suppliers to boost the nitrogen fixing potential of a legume crop. Inoculants are not needed if other legumes have been grown in the soil within the past three years.

Peas and beans are commonly grown for seed as field crops, but this section will deal with these crops as fresh market produce. Maintain a four year rotation for peas, beans, and other legumes including chickpeas and lentils to avoid buildup of disease in the soil.