262 FORAGE CROPS 



relatively richer in nitrogenous substance than 

 when more nearly mature. 



Cowpea hay is more difficult to cure than clover, 

 owing to the very succulent stems and large leaves. 

 Therefore, it must be handled carefully, in order 

 to prevent losses in the field, or molding in the 

 mow. In the southern states, the practice of 

 "ricking" is quite general. That is, the crop is 

 mown, allowed to wilt in the swath, then raked 

 into windrows and allowed to dry until it can be 

 readily handled, then carted and placed in rather 

 large stacks on ricks that are placed a foot or so 

 from the ground, enabling the plants to cure 

 thoroughly. There is no special need for this 

 extra labor in the northern states, providing it 

 is cut as early as September, as it will cure 

 readily in the windrow if the weather is good. 



Yield and composition of cowpeas 



The yield of forage under the various condi- 

 tions of soil, season and time of harvesting, will 

 naturally vary widely, ranging from four to 

 twelve tons per acre, with a probable average 

 of eight tons on good soils. The yield of dry 

 matter and actual nutrients increase as the plant 

 approaches maturity. On the average, the green 

 forage will contain about 16 per cent of dry 

 matter. Following is an average analysis: 



