Theory question 105
Crop HusbandryDescribe briefly the production of cowpea under the following headings:
(a) land preparation.
(b) planting.
(c) fertilizer application.
(d) weeding.
(e) harvesting.
(f) processing.
(g) storage.
Show the model answer
(a) Clear, plough and harrow; make ridges or flat beds
(b) By seeds (treated with seed dressing), 2–3 seeds per hole, 2–5 cm deep; spacing about 60–75 cm × 20–30 cm; planted mid-season (June–August in the south, July in the north)
(c) Little nitrogen needed (it fixes its own); phosphorus fertilizer such as single superphosphate (about 100–200 kg/ha) at planting
(d) Hand weeding at 2–3 and 5–6 weeks or pre-emergence herbicide
(e) Pick dry pods by hand when they turn brown/yellow, about 60–90 days after planting, in several pickings
(f) Dry pods in the sun, thresh by beating, winnow and sort the seeds
(g) Dry seeds well; store in airtight containers/sacks; treat with storage insecticide (e.g. Actellic) or fumigate to control bruchids
Give figures for spacing, depth and maturity time.