Episode 5 - Chelsea's Chance

"Wicked!" exclaimed Wally Wheat. "Cool!" echoed the Lentil Twins. "Aaawsome" drawled Larry Lupin, and I, Billie Bean, am excited too!

It looks like Chelsea Chickpea's about to get the chance to really prove herself on the farm. A farm advisor visited Downsanup Downs yesterday and told the Jones about the success the neighbours had last year with chickpeas. "Yes, it's a grain legume with lots of potential" he said. "You can rotate it with your cereals, get a cash crop and improve your soil nitrogen". The Jones were impressed - I guess they're learning!

I'd better go and break the good news to Chelsea. She's been itching to play a part on this farm and show Wally Wheat and the others her talents. Frankly we all know her talents; we just want the Jones to see them too so that she stays here on the farm!

"Well I wouldn't mind one that's a bit low on nitrogen" Chelsea said coyly. Ruth Rhizobia nodded vigorously. "That way we could show off our nitrogen-fixing potential."

Chelsea and I decided to check out the paddocks that grew wheat last season. We knew that the wheat was low in protein last year. After all that was the reason for Wally's depression. And we also knew that low nitrogen in the soil led to the low protein in the wheat.

"This wheat paddock is no good at all, Billie dear" said Chelsea. "Too much sand, and I'm sure the soil's too acidic. "Larry Lupin will have to take care of this one," "I can't possibly grow well here. And Ruth doesn't like it much either, so we won't make much nitrogen and my seeds will be very small. Farmer Jones won't be impressed at all and I might never be invited back again!

We looked through paddock after paddock until at last Chelsea found one she could call home. "Ah this is just right," she sighed delightedly. "Look at that lovely loamy soil. I do like a bit of clay." Chelsea took off her shoes, and dug her toes into the ground. "Hmmm, this spot feels really good." she said "I think I'll put on a great performance here - just as long as it doesn't get too soggy or cold later on. Yes Billie, let's get the Jones to put chickpeas in here."

Well the soil looks good and Chelsea's found the place where she'd like to grow this year, but what did she mean when she said she didn't want it too soggy or cold later on? Well that's another story...