Page 120 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

(b) What advice would you give to the farmer on how to choose a better
variety for the area?
2. A pupil sowed some cowpeas by broadcasting and later found it hard to weed
the field. What could have been done differently?
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3. Your class group receives two bags of cowpea seeds. One has planting
instructions, and the other does not. Which seeds will you suggest for planting
in the field? Why?

Management of soil water and nutrients for cowpea

Proper soil water and nutrient management help cowpea plants grow well and
produce good yields. Under rainfed conditions, cowpea should be grown at the
onset of rainfall to avoid dry spells during critical growth stages such as flowering
and pod setting.

Due to unreliable rainfall, it is advisable to plan for irrigation in advance. In drier
areas where small-scale farming is practised, water harvesting and conservation
techniques such as using flat-tied ridges or shallow basins can be applied.
Naturally, cowpea plants are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil, so supplementary
nitrogen requirements for crop production are minimal. However, when the soil
lacks an adequate amount to support plant growth, a small quantity of nitrogenous
fertiliser can be applied as a starter dose. Cowpea requires more phosphorus
and potassium for root development, flower setting, and pod filling. The use
of compost or decomposed manure to improve soil fertility is common. This is
cheaper and easier than using synthetic fertilisers. Signs of nutrient imbalance
include yellow leaves, poor flowering, and weak roots. Checking plant colour
and soil condition can help spot problems early. You can test soil moisture using
a stick or by pressing soil between your fingers. These simple methods help to
make better decisions and improve both plant health and yield.

Activity 7.5

Visit your school cowpea plot and other nearby farmers’ fields and perform the
following tasks:
1. Check soil moisture by pressing it between your fingers or using a stick.

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