Fertilizing Value

Categories: THE COWPEA

A heavy growth of the cowpea is worth as much to

the soil as a good crop of red clover. When the equivalent of two tons

of hay is produced, the roots and vines contain nearly as much

plant-food as the roots and first crop of medium red clover that makes

two tons of hay. Some analyses show a higher percentage of protein in

cowpea hay than in clover hay, and the experience of many stockmen

indicates that such is the case The roots and stubble have somewhat

less fertilizing power than in the case of the clover, and all thin

soils should have the entire plant, or the manure from the hay, saved

without loss.



Comparison is made on the basis of equal adaptability of soil and

climate to clover and the cowpea. Going southward, the cowpea has the

advantage, and northward the clover gains. It is in the overlapping

belt that both should be freely used. The cowpea has distinct advantage

over the clover in its ability to supply nitrogen and organic matter

within a few months, and in its adaptation to very poor soils where

clover would not make much growth. As a catch crop it has great value.