372 



FIELD CROPS 



field of mature cowpeas may be cheaply and profitably har- 

 vested by pasturing it off with hogs or sheep. Cattle also 

 thrive on cowpea pasture, but should be turned in before the 

 peas mature. 



493. Use as a Soil Improver. One of the most important 

 uses of the cowpea is in the building up of poor or worn-out 



Figure 126. — Plowing under cowpeas to add vegetable matter to the soil. Note 

 the pulverizer behind the plow to break up clods and pack the loose earth. 



soils. When the entire plant is turned under, it adds large 

 quantities of vegetable matter containing a considerable 

 supply of nitrogen. When the stubble alone is plowed under, 

 the vigorous roots materially improve the condition of the 

 soil and some nitrogen is added. Practically all crops grow 

 better after cowpeas. Largely increased yields have been 

 obtained at all the southern experiment stations following 

 this crop. 



494, Growing with Other Crops. Cowpeas are fre- 

 quently grown with other crops, including sorghuni, corn. 



