Effects of Close Spacing on Cowpeas (Vigna Unguiculata) in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

SUMMARYClose spacing between and within rows significantly increased the biological and agricultural yields of cowpea without exerting clearly differential effects on the three test cultivars of different forms. It is suggested that low yields of cowpeas commonly observed in southern Nigeria could be due largely to low planting density. A six-fold increase in yield of beans can be achieved by halving the current spacing of 90 by 30 cm. provided the crop is protected from field pest damage.