GRASS PEA (Lathyrus sativus L.) AS A FEED CROP IN MIXED FARMING SYSTEMS IN TURKEY

In Turkey the main feed resources are obtained from natural pastures, forage crops and crop residues. The grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L) has a limited sown area with a few provinces. The farmers’ preference for the grass pea can be outlined as follows; (1) its better adaptation to drought and less fertile soil, (2) lower input requirements to grow, and (3) more productive compared to common vetch. The research studies have mainly focused on the comparison of grass pea with feed legumes, in trying to understand how the grass pea is substitutable to others, and what its superiority is, if any. The grass pea studies have mostly generated positive results; such as its usefulness in crop rotations, herbage yield in mixtures and its superior seed and straw yields, and or it might be useful as a green manure crop. Grass pea may be regarded as a marginal crop inTurkey; however, its cultivation can be improved through enlarging of its growing area, better yielding varieties and suitable growing techniques. The objectives of this paper are to examine the current research and development potentials of the grass pea cultivation inTurkey, and to suggest the necessary future work for The enhancement of its production.