Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a warm-season legume known for its ability to fix nitrogen and provide high-protein forage. It is widely used as a cover crop, forage, and wildlife food plot. Cowpeas are particularly beneficial for deer, turkey, and other wildlife, offering high-protein seeds and tender foliage. Cowpeas are also important for soil health by enriching the soil with nitrogen and improving its structure.

Benefits for Wildlife Habitat

✔ High-protein seeds are an excellent food source for deer, turkey, and small game.
✔ Fast-growing foliage provides cover and forage for wildlife during the summer months.
✔ Nutrient-rich forage supports wildlife nutrition in late summer and fall.
✔ Attracts pollinators, benefiting bees and other beneficial insects.
✔ Fixes nitrogen, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops or plantings.

Planting Guidelines

• Planting Times:

  • Spring to Early Summer (April–June): Cowpeas are warm-season crops, best planted after the last frost when the soil temperature is around 65°F or higher.
  • Mid-Summer: Can also be planted as a summer cover crop or food plot.

• Seeding Depth:

  • 1 to 1.5 inches deep for proper germination and root development.

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 20–30 lbs per acre for a more uniform and consistent stand.
  • Broadcast: 30–40 lbs per acre, followed by light dragging or cultipacking to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

• Days to Maturity:

  • 60–90 days depending on the variety and growing conditions, with harvestable seeds appearing in late summer to fall.

• Drought Tolerance:

  • Moderate to High – Cowpeas are drought-tolerant once established, thanks to their deep roots, but they perform best with consistent moisture during early growth stages.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low to Moderate – Cowpeas do not tolerate waterlogged soils well and prefer well-drained soils.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low – Performs best in full sun, as it requires high light for optimal growth and seed production.

Fertilization Guidelines for Cowpea

• Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0–7.0.
• Nitrogen (N): As a legume, cowpeas fix their own nitrogen, so they generally require little or no additional nitrogen fertilizer. Excessive nitrogen can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of seed production.
• Phosphorus (P): Apply 20–40 lbs P₂O₅ per acre for optimal root and seed development, especially if soil phosphorus levels are low.
• Potassium (K): Apply 30–60 lbs K₂O per acre if soil potassium levels are deficient to support overall plant growth.

Fertilization Timing:

• Apply phosphorus and potassium before planting based on soil test recommendations.
• As a legume, cowpeas do not require heavy fertilization, and minimal nitrogen should be applied to prevent excessive growth.

Herbicide Use for Cowpea

• Weed Management:

  • Weed control is important during the establishment phase, as weeds can outcompete young cowpeas. However, once established, cowpeas can tolerate moderate weed pressure.

• Herbicide Options:

  • Pre-emergence: Use herbicides such as Prowl H2O (Pendimethalin) or Treflan (Trifluralin) for controlling grass and broadleaf weeds before planting.
  • Post-emergence: 2,4-D can be used to control broadleaf weeds after cowpeas are established.

Key Considerations:

• Be cautious with herbicide use, especially during the early stages of growth, as cowpeas are sensitive to many chemicals.