Key Points of Cowpea Planting Techniques and Detailed Field Management Methods

Cowpea, also known as yardlong bean, is one of the vegetables commonly seen in our daily lives. It can be divided into two types: long cowpea and rice cowpea. In China, quite a few farmers grow cowpea. So how should cowpea be planted? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Land Selection

Cowpea itself is relatively tolerant of poor soil, so it does not have high requirements for soil, and ordinary soil is enough for planting. However, for the sake of yield and quality, soil that is flat in terrain, has sufficient sunlight, good drainage, and good air permeability should be chosen. To promote the growth of cowpea, the land should be prepared before planting, and the soil should be loosened, which is beneficial to the growth of cowpea. If the soil fertility is insufficient, base fertilizer can be applied to supplement fertility. Generally, 2000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer is applied per mu.

2. Sowing Time

Cowpea likes a warm climate and can be planted from spring to autumn. It can also be planted year-round through greenhouse technology. Generally, when planted in the open field, it is planted from February to August. The temperature at this stage is suitable for the growth of cowpea, but March to July is the best. However, the climate environment varies from place to place, so sowing should be carried out according to local climatic conditions, avoiding the low-temperature season.

3. Sowing

For sowing, first choose varieties with excellent quality. When sowing, the spot sowing method is generally used, with holes opened at a plant-row spacing of 40×50 cm, and 2 seeds placed in each hole. After sowing, cover with soil 1-2 cm deep. After covering with soil, water thoroughly, then cover with plastic film to keep warm and moist, so as to facilitate seedling emergence. However, when direct sowing in summer, note that plastic film covering is not suitable, so as to avoid failure of seed germination caused by high temperature under the film; on the contrary, also note that high temperature is unfavorable to seed germination, so water frequently and keep the soil moist to facilitate seedling emergence.

4. Field Management

At the initial stage of sowing and transplanting, attention should be paid to water management to ensure the seedling emergence or survival rate. For direct sowing, note to thin seedlings in time. When 3-4 true leaves have grown, final thinning should be carried out. Generally, two strong seedlings are retained per mu. If missing seedlings are found during final thinning, they should be replanted in time to ensure a full stand of seedlings. Before vine elongation, supports should be set up in time to ensure good ventilation and light penetration in the field. At the same time, note to remove old leaves and yellow leaves to improve ventilation and air permeability in the field. After final thinning, topdressing should be carried out in time. Both the vine elongation stage and the flowering and fruiting stage require large amounts of nutrients, so fertilizer should be applied in time to ensure sufficient nutrients.

The above is an introduction to cowpea planting techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.