Describe briefly the production of cowpea under the following headings; (a) land preparation; (b) planting; (c) fertilizer application; (d) weeding; (e) har...

Production of cowpea

(a) Land preparation

Clear the vegetation and remove stumps; plough and harrow to obtain a fine tilth on well-drained loamy soil; make ridges, heaps or a flat seedbed.

(b) Planting

Plant at the onset of the rains by sowing seeds directly, placing 2-3 seeds per hole at a depth of 2-4 cm, with a spacing of about 25-30 cm within rows and 60-75 cm between rows.

(c) Fertilizer application

Since cowpea is a leguminous crop that fixes its own nitrogen, apply mainly phosphate fertilizer (such as single super phosphate) to boost nodulation and yield; a little NPK may be applied 2-3 weeks after planting on poor soils.

(d) Weeding

Weed early to reduce competition; carry out the first weeding 2-3 weeks after planting and a second before flowering, using a hoe or a selective herbicide, taking care not to damage the shallow roots.

(e) Harvesting

Harvest when the pods are mature and dry (turned brown) by picking them by hand, preferably in dry weather and in stages as the pods ripen.

(f) Processing

Dry the pods further in the sun, thresh to release the seeds, then winnow to remove the chaff.

(g) Storage

Store the clean, dry seeds in air-tight containers or hermetic bags in a cool, dry place, treating them with an approved preservative/insecticide to guard against weevils (bruchids).