Cowpea | |
| Species: | Cowpea |
| Scientific Name: | Vigna unguiculata |
| Cultivars: | Iron & Clay, Red Ripper (late maturing, sandy soils) |
| Growth Habit: | 2-3 feet tall; erect, vines |
| Life Cycle: | Annual. Produces forage in 1.5 months and mature seed in 100 days (3 months) |
| Origin: | Africa |
| Production Season: | May to September |
| Nutritive Value: | Varies depending on maturity (leaf:stem ratio) Usually medium to high crude protein; medium to high digestibility. Nutritive value similar to Lablab (cv. Rongai), with crude protein ranging from 24 to 28%. |
| Use: | Hay, grazing |
Adaptation | |
| Soil: | Sandy-loam, medium tolerance to salinity |
| pH: | 5.5-7.0 |
| Rainfall: | 13-150 inches |
| Temperature: | 47°F (minimum). Less cold tolerant than Lablab. |
Management | |
| Planting Date: | April to August |
| Planting Depth: | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| Seeding Rate: | |
| Seed Cost: | Iron Clay ($0.7/lb; $28 to 35/acre) |
| Fertilization: | For fertilization info see following click this link. |
| Production: | 4000-6000 lb/acre |
Notes | |
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