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: 
