Page 118 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 7.3
In your school/home garden, carry out the following tasks relating to site selection
and land preparation for cow pea production:

1. Choose the best location for planting cowpeas based on land terrain, light
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exposure, proper drainage and other soil factors.

2. Measure a manageable plot for cowpea production;
3. Prepare the land using the tools available; then

4. Write a report and keep it in your portfolio.

Exercise 7.2

1. Baraka wants to grow cowpeas in their home garden, but the soil is heavy
and holds water for a long time after rain. He is unsure if the place is suitable
for cowpea production. What advice would you give to him about factors to
consider when choosing a better site for cowpea production?
2. A farmer cleared and ploughed a field to plant cowpeas. However, the farmer
did not consider breaking up large soil clods and levelling the field to be an
important practice.

(a) What problems might occur during the planting and growth of the crop?

(b) What advice would you give the farmer?
3. Your school garden has two plots: one with sandy soil and the other with clay
soil. Your class wants to grow cowpeas for a school project. Explain which
plot you would choose. Give reasons.

Variety selection and cowpea sowing
Selection of right cowpea variety is an important step in ensuring good crop
performance. Cow peas are adapted to a wide range of climate, where some
perform better in areas with little rainfall while others need relatively sufficient
rainfall. Regardless of the purpose, a good cowpeas variety is preferably to be
of high yield, early maturing, able to grow well in the local environment and
resistant to pests and diseases. Variety choice also depends on other factors
such as production purpose and market acceptability. In Tanzania, both local
and improved varieties are cultivated. Currently examples of improved cowpea

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