Early establishment is everything when it comes to peas and beans. Cold soils, patchy moisture and slow early growth can all hold crops back before they really get going. Kick-Off is a phosphite-based nutritional seed treatment designed to help bridge that vulnerable early window – from drilling through to the point where the crop can start fixing its own nitrogen.
By supporting root growth, early nutrition and crop vigour, Kick-Off helps peas and beans get out of the ground quickly and evenly, setting them up for a stronger season ahead.
1. Stronger roots from day one
One of the key strengths of Kick-Off is its high level of phosphite, which moves more freely within the plant than standard phosphate.
What does that mean in the field?
- Deeper rooting – Kick-Off encourages rapid growth of both primary and lateral roots, helping seedlings reach moisture and nutrients deeper in the soil profile.
- More root mass – Trials consistently show increases in root biomass, giving plants a stronger anchor and a larger surface area for nutrient uptake.
A well-developed root system early on pays dividends all season long.
2. Earlier and better Nitrogen fixation
For peas and beans, nodulation is critical – and Kick-Off is designed to support it.
- Earlier nodulation – By supplying readily available micronutrients like zinc and manganese, along with amino acids, the young plant has the energy it needs to establish its relationship with Rhizobium bacteria sooner.
- More nodules – Healthier, more vigorous roots provide more sites for nodules to form, improving the crop’s ability to fix its own nitrogen later in the season.
The result is a crop that becomes more self-sufficient, faster.
3. Faster, more even emergence – The “Kick-Off” Effect
Spring conditions aren’t always kind to peas and beans. Cold, wet seedbeds can slow emergence and lead to uneven crops.
Kick-Off acts as a biological jumpstart:
- Improved vigour in cold or wet soils – Manganese and zinc help provide the “seed energy” needed to push through challenging conditions.
- More uniform emergence – A more even crop makes management easier and simplifies the timing of herbicide and fungicide applications later on.
4. Nutrition designed for early pulse health
Kick-Off’s nutrient package is tailored specifically to what peas and beans need in their earliest growth stages:
- Phosphite / Phosphate – Fuels ATP production, driving rapid cell division and early growth.
- Manganese (Mn) – Essential for photosynthesis and helps prevent Marsh Spot in peas.
- Zinc (Zn) – Supports growth hormone regulation and improves cold tolerance.
- Amino acids – Reduce the plant’s energy demand during protein production, helping it cope better with stress.
5. Better resilience to early-season stress
Because Kick-Off helps crops build root mass and biomass quickly, plants are better prepared to handle common early challenges:
- Dry spells – Deeper roots can access moisture lower down in the soil.
- Pest pressure – Faster establishment means seedlings spend less time in the vulnerable early stages when they are most at risk from birds and soil-borne pests.
A simple step with lasting benefits
By supporting early root growth, nodulation and emergence, Kick-Off gives peas and beans the best possible start this spring. That early advantage often translates into a more resilient, even and efficient crop – exactly what growers are looking for in a challenging spring. Get in touch with the team at Evans & Pearce for more information.
