Assessing Multiple Agronomic Functions of a Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Variety Across Different Uses

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a multifunctional legume of growing importance in sustainable cropping systems. This study presents an integrative assessment of a forage pea variety across multiple agronomic functions under temperate continental conditions. Results from three environmentally comparable field trials were synthesized to evaluate (i) grain yield and protein traits, (ii) biomass production and nutrient accumulation in cover cropping systems, and (iii) effects on soil nitrate dynamics and maize (Zea mays L.) yield. Compared with vegetable- and dry-seed-type genotypes, the forage-type cultivar exhibited greater plant height and lodging tendency, moderate grain yield, and elevated protein content (28.8%), characterized by a legumin-dominated protein profile. As a winter cover crop grown in mixture with oat (Avena sativa L.), pea produced lower total biomass than rye (Secale cereale L.) but showed substantially higher nitrogen concentrations (2.93-3.01%), indicating enhanced nitrogen input potential. In crop rotation, pea-based treatments significantly affected soil nitrate distribution and maize productivity. Complementary resource use in pea-based systems enhanced biomass production, supporting forage and green manure functions while contributing to soil fertility and system stability. Its morphological and physiological adaptability enables integration into diverse production models, from intensive to regenerative systems. Overall, pea should be regarded not merely as a single crop, but as a strategic component of diversified farming systems aimed at increasing protein yield, optimizing inputs, improving soil quality, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems.