(i) Fertilization
Cowpea grows well without fertilizer in fertile soils. In soils of low fertility, it responds to phosphorus and potash and often to some nitrogen. An amount of about 10 kg/ha of nitrogen applied at the time of sowing and 40 to 70 kg/ha of Potassium and Phosphorus fertiliser may be applied before planting.
(ii) Irrigation
Supplementary irrigation to cowpea field is important in areas where annual rainfall is less than 400 mm. During off-season, every other day irrigation schedule is necessary so that the plants can withstand the heat and water stress effect of the dry season high evapo-transpiration rate.
(iii)Weed Control
Weeds are serious problem in cowpea production. If not periodically removed they may act as hosts for pests. Thus, they will reduce both yield and quality of the grain. In addition, fodder yield may also be reduced since cowpea is not a strong competitor for resources particularly at the establishment stage. In other words, cowpea should be kept free of weeds after establishment. When left unweeded, cowpea can be completely smothered by weeds resulting in total yield loss. Weeds compete with crop, during growth, for light, water and nutrients. Weeds can cause greater yield reduction than arthropods, bacteria, viruses, fungi and diseases and may lower quality of the produce. Two weed control methods are commonly practiced in cowpea production:
(a) Manual weed control: this is the most common method used by farmers in rural South Sudan. The first weeding using hand hoes is carried out two weeks after planting followed by a second weeding in six weeks’ time. In high rainfall areas such as the Greenbelt, three weedings may be required.
(b) Chemical weed control: herbicide application is both safe and effective if a farmer can afford. However, its choice and time of application depends on the type of weed and availability of the herbicide to be applied
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