214 



VIGNA CATJANG (cOWPEA) 



when expressed in terms of the whole crop, are stiH further 

 accentuated. 



Composition of the Crop. 



White 



Gkey 



The differences wliich we iiave established need occasion 

 no surprise when we take into account the fact that the 

 vegetation and productivity vary considerably in the two 

 varieties. The grey variety, in fact, is one of those which 

 develop best, producing fine seeds and a higher yield on 

 the fields. In the Saint Hubert trials previously quoted the 

 grey cow pea gave the best green crop. 



As already mentioned, the plants form an excellent fodder 

 if cut before flowering, but, generally speaking, they are 

 not used in that way. Thev are either j:)l()Ughed in during 

 the flowering period or a seed crop is taken. In the latter 

 case they cannot really be called a restorative crop because of 

 the mineral elements abstracted by the pods. This, however, 

 is balanced by the fact that the seeds form a very valuable 

 nutritive substance on account of their high protein content. 

 We should also take into account the stems and leaves 

 remaining on the fields, which, though not equivalent to the 

 fertilizing elements of a green manure, still mean a more 

 than negligible contribution to the soil. 



