The Latest Technical Method Tutorial for Raising Cowpea Seedlings

Cowpea is a common vegetable in our daily lives. When planting, there are two methods: direct sowing and seedling transplanting. Most planting uses seedling transplanting, because this not only allows early sowing, early harvest and earlier supply to the market, but also ensures full stands of strong seedlings and promotes flowering and pod setting. So how should cowpea seedlings be raised? Let's find out together.

1. Seed soaking and sprouting

Select seeds that are large, plump and free of insect damage and disease spots. First sun-dry them for 1-2 days, then soak them for 20 minutes in formalin at a suitable concentration for disinfection, take them out, rinse with clean water and sow. Alternatively, scald the seeds with warm water at about 50-55 degrees for 15-30 minutes, stirring constantly while adding the water until the water temperature drops to 30 degrees, then soak for 6-8 hours. This treatment not only gives a high germination rate after sowing, but also effectively prevents pests and diseases and reduces the chance of pests and diseases occurring.

2. Sowing and seedling raising

Spring sowing is suitable in late February to March, direct sowing is suitable in late April, and autumn sowing is generally done in July; because this is the hot summer season, shade netting can be used as cover. After sowing, cover with plastic film to keep warm and moist so as to help seedlings emerge; seedlings generally emerge in 4 days. After emergence, uncover the plastic film in time. If growing in a plastic tunnel, uncover by day and cover by night, and pay attention to ventilation and heat preservation. For direct sowing in the open field, first water the plot thoroughly, then sow; remember not to water over the top after sowing. The seedlings can be transplanted once the first pair of true leaves unfolds or before the first compound leaf unfolds.

Cowpea is not tolerant of waterlogging, so it should not be planted in low-lying, overly wet and easily waterlogged land. Before sowing, plow the soil deeply and, together with this, apply 2000-4000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, 15-20 kg of superphosphate, 100-150 kg of plant ash, or 150-200 kg of microbial fertilizer as base fertilizer. After plowing, rake the land level and make cultivation beds, generally with a bed width of 1.7 m and a ditch depth of 20-30 cm in spring and 15-20 cm in summer and autumn, then cover with plastic film.

4. Reasonable close planting

In order for cowpea to obtain a higher yield, reasonable close planting must be carried out; this is the most important thing, especially after emergence. If the emergence rate is not high, reseed in time. Thinning and final spacing should be done 5 days after emergence, so as to reduce root damage and improve the survival rate of transplanted seedlings. When thinning, be very careful to avoid touching the roots and stems, which would affect the normal survival rate.

The above is an introduction to cowpea seedling-raising techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.