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Lupin
Production Guide
Adaptation to North Dakota: Cool-season, annual grain legume that has potential as a home-grown protein supplement for livestock rations. Early research indicates that lupin is a good substitute for soybeans in the western two-thirds of the state.
Rotations: Minimum of 4 years between canola, crambe, mustard, sunflower, dry bean, soybean, lentil, pea, and alfalfa.
Planting Date: Late April to mid-May.
Seeding Pattern and Rate: Normally solid-seeded but can be row cropped. Rate is 120-180 lbs/acre (sweet whites) to establish 250,000 plants/acre.
Seeding Depth: 1.5 - 3 inch depth in moist soil.
Fertility Requirements: Seed must be inoculated with the correct strain of Rhizobia bacteria (type H) to produce nitrogen for the plant. High user of phosphorus but is able to utilize soil P not available to other crops.
Weed Control: Early planting. Preemergence and postemergence (crop 1-4 inches tall) use of harrow or rotary hoe may be used for mechanical weed control. Labeled herbicides include Trilin, Prowl, Dual, Assure II, and Ultima 160.
Water Use: More efficient than soybeans. Water stress at preflowering of primary seed set (early June) to podfill can reduce yields. Total seasonal water needs are approximately 20 inches. Crop rooting depth is approximately 3.5 inches.
Soil Conditions: Sensitive to free lime/high pH and poorly-drained soils.
Insects: Blister beetles are a major problem. Other potential insects include cutworms, grasshoppers, and corn rootworms.
Diseases: Anthracnose currently is major disease problem. Other potential diseases include root rot complex and sclerotinia.
Harvest Requirements: Straight combine.
Date Harvested: Mid August-September.
Seed Types: Sweet white and blue.
Markets: High protein (30-40%) on-farm livestock feed. No established markets for livestock or human food markets.
Average Yield: 1500-2000 lb/acre dryland, >2000 lb/acre irrigated (central North Dakota).
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