THE COWPEA 261 



and potash. On lands that are capable of produc- 

 ing fair crops, the fertilizers may be limited to an 

 application of these minerals, and a mixture of 



Acid phosphate 300 pounds 



Muriate of potash 100 pounds 



applied at the rate of 200 pounds per acre is 

 recommended. This should be broadcasted, and 

 well cultivated into the soil previous to planting. 



Harvesting cowpeas 



For soiling purposes the crop may be harvested 

 in its immature state, although a larger amount of 

 dry matter will be secured if it is not cut until the 

 pods are turning yellow. It is often necessary to 

 have the crop ready in two to two and one- half 

 months; when the early varieties are sown, and 

 the season is favorable, profitable crops may be 

 harvested as early as this after seeding. If the 

 cowpea is not harvested promptly it does not suffer 

 serious loss, as is the case with many other crops. 

 The leaves remain green and the stems succulent 

 until growth ceases. When the entire season can 

 be used for the crop, the trailing varieties will give 

 the larger yield, although they are more difficult 

 to harvest, owing to the intertwining of the vines. 

 If cut in a very immature stage, the forage shows 

 a higher content of water, and the dry matter is 



