10 Very Important Factors for good Cowpea cultivation

Cowpea cultivation requires several factors to ensure optimum yields. We, in this post, would take you through the factors to consider.

• Select a good site

Good Cowpea cultivation requires well-drained loamy soils. Avoid sites that are prone to waterlogging. To reduce the cost of fertilization, choose lands with fertile soil conditions.

Read also: 6 Basic Soil Problems and Recommended Solutions in Agriculture

• Proper land preparation

Clear the land well to ensure good stand establishment and minimize weed competition. To improve and maintain good soil conditions practice no-till agricultural technology.

• Select good seed and always test it.

Test seeds for viability to ensure high germination percentage. Use improved varieties like Amantin, Asontem, Vallinga, Tona etc. Obtain seed from trusted sources like certified seed growers or registered seed sellers. Be very sure by conducting seed viability/germination test. You can look at discussions on the topic.

• Plant at the right time

In the Forest zones, planting is done between late August and early September. In the Guinea Savanna areas planting falls between April and August, while in the Coastal Savanna, early May to early September. Tactfully select planting time so that maturity coincides with the end of the rains.

Read also: How to successfully manage your Crops in the erratic rainfall pattern

• Plant in rows

Laying out your field for row planting makes weed control, spraying and harvesting easier. Planting in rows requires lines and pegs. Planting in rows also ensures optimum plant population.

• Plant at the proper depth

Holes created for sowing the seed should be 2-3cm deep i.e. about half the length of the middle finger (note: finger of a matured person). Planting at the right depth improves germination. Depending on the germination test results; if

1. 85% or more germinate, plant 2 seeds per hole

2. 70% - 84%, 3 seeds per hole

3. Less than 70%, please discard and acquire better seed. It can be eaten as food anyway.

• Control weeds early

Reduction in competition from weeds in the four weeks is very vital. NB: Avoid weeding with shoes after 4 weeks. That may damage the root systems and interferes with nutrient and water absorption.

Read also: Basic Principles of Weeds Control and Management

• Control insect pests

Insect pests are very destructive to cowpea on the field and there its control is vital. Efficient insect pest control helps to increase the yield of cowpea 5x or more.

• Harvest during the dry period

Harvesting is best done during the dry season. This helps to reduce weevil infestation, grain shattering and moldiness.

• Store Properly

Adopt healthy post-harvest techniques to store cowpea for longer periods. Drying adequately and storing in a cool dry place are the basics for proper storage.

…and most importantly, produce healthy food.

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