Growing cowpea and soybean isn’t just about planting and waiting for harvest. There are a few key tasks that make the difference between a bumper harvest and a disappointing one and many farmers skip them without realizing the cost. Here’s what you shouldn’t overlook this season.

1. Land Preparation

Don’t rush this stage. Proper tillage loosens the soil, improves drainage, and gives roots room to grow strong. Skipping this step often leads to poor germination.

2. Timely Planting

Planting late or too early affects yield. Cowpea and soybean both need the right soil moisture and temperature to germinate well. Stick to the recommended planting window for your zone.

3. Pre-Emergence Weed Control

This is one of the most skipped steps and one of the costliest. Applying a pre-emergence herbicide like Buster (for cowpea) or Triplex/Buster (for soybean) right after planting stops weeds before they even start competing with your crop for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

4. Post-Emergence Follow-Up

Even with pre-emergence treatment, some weeds will still try to come through. Twig handles this stage for both cowpea and soybean, keeping your field clean as the crop develops.

5. Fertilizer Application

Cowpea and soybean are legumes, but they still need the right nutrients at the right growth stages to maximize pod formation and grain fill. Don’t guess follow a proper fertilizer schedule.

6. Pest and Disease Monitoring

Regular scouting helps you catch problems early pod borers, aphids, fungal infections before they spread and cause major losses. A few minutes walking your field each week can save your whole season.

7. Weeding Beyond Herbicide

Herbicides help, but they’re not a total replacement for physical weeding where needed, especially in high-pressure weed zones. Keep checking your field.

8. Harvest Timing

Harvesting too early or too late affects grain quality and yield. Watch your crop closely as it matures so you harvest at just the right time.

Every one of these steps matters. Skip one, and you risk losing more than you think in yield, in quality, in income.

Need guidance on any of these stages? Download the FarmPropa app for step-by-step support through every stage of your cowpea and soybean farming journey. You can also speak with a trusted Saro Agro-dealer or contact us via our social media platforms.

You have planted your cowpea, managed the weeds, and watched the crop grow. Now the plants are flowering and beginning to form pods.

This is not the time to relax.

The reproductive stage, flowering, pod formation and seed development is one of the most important stages in cowpea production. What happens during this period can have a major effect on the number and quality of pods you eventually harvest.

Pests, diseases, weeds and poor field management can still reduce your expected yield if they are not properly managed.

So, how can you protect your cowpea crop at this important stage?

1. Scout Your Farm Regularly

The first step is to know what is happening in your field.

Walk through your farm regularly and check the leaves, flowers and pods. Look for signs of insect attack, damaged flowers, holes in leaves, discoloured plant parts or poorly developing pods.

Common insect pests can become a serious problem around flowering and pod formation. Early detection gives you a better chance of taking the right action before the damage becomes severe.

Do not wait until you can see widespread damage before checking your farm.

2. Pay Attention to Pod-Sucking and Pod-Damaging Insects

As cowpea begins to flower and form pods, the crop becomes particularly valuable to certain insect pests.

Some insects feed on flowers and developing pods, while others suck plant sap. Their feeding can cause flowers to drop, damage young pods or affect the development of the seeds inside the pods.

This is why regular scouting is important during the reproductive stage.

If you notice increasing insect pest activity, correctly identify the pest and use the appropriate Saro recommended insecticide—Kombat, Cypertex, Vanguish, or Sting—for the specific pest. Always follow the product label for the correct rate, timing and application instructions.

3. Do Not Ignore Diseases

Insect pests are not the only threat during flowering and pod formation.

Frequent rainfall, high humidity and poor air movement can create conditions that favour diseases. Watch for unusual spots, discolouration, wilting, rotting or other changes in the leaves, stems and pods.

Good field hygiene, proper spacing, good drainage and regular scouting can help reduce disease pressure.

If you notice signs of disease, correctly identify the problem and seek advice on the appropriate treatment. Blue Snow is one of Saro’s recommended fungicides for fungal disease management.

4. Keep Weeds Under Control

Even when your cowpea is already flowering, weeds can continue to compete with the crop.

They compete for water, nutrients, sunlight and space. Heavy weed growth can also make it more difficult to scout the farm properly and identify pests or diseases early.

Do not allow weeds to take over your field.

Where weed control is necessary, use a product that is recommended for cowpea and the weeds present. Pay attention to the crop and weed growth stages and always follow the recommended application rate and timing.

5. Be Careful With Crop Protection During Flowering

The reproductive stage requires careful crop protection decisions.

Do not simply spray because you see insects or because another farmer is spraying. First identify the problem and confirm that the product is suitable for your crop and the pest or disease you are targeting.

More product does not mean better protection. Using more than the recommended rate can increase costs and may create crop protection problems.

Always read and follow the product label or speak with a trusted Saro agro-dealer for guidance.

6. Pay Attention to Weather and Field Conditions

Weather can affect both the health of your crop and the effectiveness of crop protection applications.

During periods of frequent rainfall, monitor your field closely for disease and waterlogging. Make sure excess water can drain away properly.

Before applying any crop protection product, check the weather conditions and follow the product label regarding suitable application conditions.

Avoid unnecessary applications, especially when rain is expected to wash the product away.

7. Protect the Crop Until Harvest

Seeing pods on your cowpea plant is a good sign, but the work is not finished.

Continue monitoring the field as the pods develop and the seeds mature. Late-season pest attacks, disease and weeds can still affect the final harvest.

Also pay attention to the recommended pre-harvest interval (PHI) of any crop protection product you use. Do not harvest before the specified period has passed.

Protect Your Yield by Acting at the Right Time

A good cowpea harvest starts long before harvest day.

At the reproductive stage, every flower and developing pod matters. Regular scouting, timely weed management, proper pest and disease monitoring, good field management and responsible use of crop protection products can help you protect the yield you have worked hard to produce.

Do not wait until the damage is already severe.

Scout early. Identify the problem. Take the right action. Protect your yield.

Need More Farming Guidance?

For more information on good agronomic practices on Cowpea, download the FarmPropa App, available on Android and iOS. You can also speak with a trusted SARO agro-dealer or contact us via our social media platforms.

Soybean is more than just another crop to put in the ground. With strong demand for food, animal feed and other uses, it can be a valuable source of income for farmers.

But getting more from soybean farming is not simply about planting more acres. Your returns can depend on the decisions you make before planting, during crop establishment, throughout the growing season and even before harvest.

So, how do you move from simply planting soybean to producing a harvest that gives you better returns?

Here are some important things to consider.

1. Start With the Right Soybean Variety

The variety you plant can make a big difference to your harvest.

Before choosing your seed, consider your location, maturity period, yield potential and the characteristics that matter most to your farm.

SC-SL01

If you are looking for an early-maturing soybean variety with large seeds, good yield potential, high protein content and high pod clearance for mechanised farming, SC-SL01 is worth considering.

It matures in about 90 days and has an average yield potential of 3–3.5 tons per hectare.

It is recommended for the Derived Savanna, Guinea Savanna, Sudan Savanna and Sahel Savanna ecologies.

SC-Signal

SC-Signal is another early-maturing option, taking about 90 days to maturity. It offers good yield potential, high haulm yield and tolerance to rust, while its high pod clearance makes it suitable for mechanised farming.

It is recommended for the Northern and Southern Guinea Savanna, Derived Savanna, Sudan Savanna and Sahel Savanna.

The lesson is simple: don’t just ask, “Which soybean seed can I get?”

Ask, “Which variety is suited to my farm and what I want to achieve?”

Choosing the right variety is one of the first steps towards getting more from your soybean farm.

2. Prepare Your Land Properly

Good soybean production starts before the seed goes into the soil.

Prepare your land properly and give the crop a clean environment to establish. A poorly prepared field can create problems with weed competition, uneven crop establishment and other challenges that may affect your final yield.

Good land preparation is an investment in the crop you are about to plant.

3. Plant at the Right Time and Spacing

Soybean needs the right conditions to establish properly.

Plant according to the recommended spacing and depth for your chosen variety, and make sure you are working within the appropriate planting window for your location.

Good establishment gives your crop a better start and helps create a more uniform field.

4. Give Your Soybean the Right Start

Seed quality is important, but so is what happens after planting.

Pay attention to soil fertility and follow the recommended agronomic practices for your variety and location. Seed treatment with the appropriate inoculant can also support soybean production by helping the crop make better use of nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation.

Don’t guess your way through the season. Use recommendations suited to your crop, variety and farm conditions.

5. Don’t Let Weeds Take Your Profit

Weeds compete with soybean for water, nutrients, light and space.

The longer weeds are allowed to compete with your crop, the greater the potential impact on crop growth and yield.

This is why weed management should be planned early. Identify the weeds on your farm, know your crop stage and use the right herbicide at the recommended rate and timing. Use Buster or Triplex for pre-emergence weed control and Twig for post-emergence control.

If you are unsure about how much herbicide you need, use the herbicide calculator on the FarmPropa app as a guide.

6. Scout Your Farm Regularly

Don’t wait until your soybean field is visibly damaged before you start paying attention.

Walk through your farm regularly. Look at the leaves, stems, flowers and pods. Check for signs of insect pests, diseases, nutrient problems or unusual growth.

Control insect pests with recommended insecticides such as Kombat or Vanguish, and treat fungal diseases with an effective fungicide like Blue Snow.

Early detection gives you more time to respond appropriately and can help prevent a small problem from becoming a major loss.

7. Protect the Crop Through to Harvest

Getting a good crop established is only part of the job.

Continue monitoring your soybean throughout flowering, pod development and maturation. Where crop protection is needed, use the appropriate product according to its label and recommended use.

Remember: applying more product does not automatically mean better protection. The right product, rate and timing matter.

8. Think About Profit Before You Harvest

A profitable soybean farm is not created at harvest. It starts with planning.

Before you plant, think about your expected costs, yield target, available market and likely selling price.

Know what you are spending on land preparation, seed, fertiliser, crop protection, labour and harvesting. This helps you understand what your crop needs to produce for the farm to make a worthwhile return.

The goal is not simply to harvest soybean.

The goal is to produce a good harvest and turn it into a good business.

Conclusion: Don’t Just Plant. Plant for Profit.

Soybean can be a profitable crop, but good returns don’t happen by accident.

It starts with choosing a variety suited to your farm, preparing your land properly, planting correctly, managing weeds and pests on time, monitoring your crop and planning for the market before harvest.

Every decision you make can affect what eventually comes out of your field.

So don’t just plant soybean.

Plan for a good harvest.

Plan for a better return.

Plan to farm smarter.

Get more good agronomic practices, the right products and the right information, Download the FarmPropa (Available on Android and iOS) Follow our social media platforms to get more from this season.

Weeds don’t wait for your crop to grow before they start competing.

Once cowpea or soybean emerges, weeds can quickly begin competing with the crop for water, nutrients, sunlight and space. But when it comes to weed control, timing matters.

Spray too early, and you may not get the result you expect. Spray too late, and weeds may already be well established and competing aggressively with your crop.

So, how do you know when your cowpea or soybean is ready for weed control?

Start With the Crop Stage

The first thing to consider is the growth stage of your crop.

After emergence, cowpea and soybean gradually develop more leaves and establish their canopy. During this early growth period, weeds can compete strongly with the young crop.

However, not every herbicide can be applied at every crop stage. Some products are designed for use before the crop emerges, while others are suitable for application after emergence.

This is why farmers should always check the product label for the recommended crop stage before spraying.

Why Spraying Too Early Can Be a Problem

Spraying too early can mean applying a product outside its recommended timing or before the weeds and crop are at the appropriate stage.

Depending on the herbicide, this may reduce effectiveness or increase the risk of crop injury.

For post-emergence herbicides especially, application timing is important because the product may be designed to work best when weeds are actively growing and still at a susceptible stage.

Earlier is not always better.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended timing.

Why Spraying Too Late Can Also Cost You

Waiting too long can give weeds time to become larger and more established.

By then, they may have already taken up valuable water and nutrients and blocked sunlight from reaching your crop.

Large or mature weeds can also be more difficult to control with some herbicides.

This is why farmers should not wait until the field looks completely overgrown before thinking about weed management.

The goal is timely control, not simply late rescue.

Look at the Weeds

The condition of the weeds is another important clue.

Walk through your field and check whether weeds are:

• Newly emerged and actively growing.
• Small and at an early growth stage.
• Becoming established and spreading quickly.
• Already large, mature or producing seeds.

Many weed-control products work best when susceptible weeds are still young and actively growing, but the exact timing depends on the herbicide being used.

Always use the specific product’s label recommendation as your guide.

What About Cowpea?

Cowpea can be particularly vulnerable to weed competition during its early development.

Farmers should monitor the field regularly after emergence and avoid allowing weeds to establish unchecked.

If you are considering herbicide application, confirm that the product is specifically recommended for cowpea and check its instructions for the correct crop and weed stages.

Never assume that a herbicide suitable for another crop is automatically safe for cowpea. Saro Agrosciences offers Buster as a pre-emergence option and Twig as a post-emergence option for cowpea.

What About Soybean?

Soybean also needs good weed management, particularly while the crop is establishing.

As with cowpea, the appropriate weed-control timing depends on the herbicide, the weed species, the crop stage and whether the product is intended for pre-emergence or post-emergence use.

Regular scouting helps farmers identify problems early and make decisions before weeds become difficult to manage. For soybean, Triplex and Buster work as pre-emergence options, while Twig serves as a post-emergence option.

Before You Spray, Check These Five Things

Before reaching for your knapsack sprayer, ask yourself:

1. What stage is my crop? Know whether your cowpea or soybean is at the crop stage recommended for the product.
2. What weeds are present? Identify the weeds and check their growth stage.
3. Is this herbicide recommended for my crop? Never spray a product simply because it worked on another farm or another crop.
4. Am I using the correct rate? More product does not mean better control. Follow the recommended dosage.
5. Are the weather and field conditions suitable? Wind, rainfall and other conditions can affect herbicide application and performance. Follow the product label for application conditions.

Conclusion

Successful weed control is not about being the first farmer to spray or the farmer who sprays the most. It is about getting the timing right.

Don’t spray too early just because you see the first few weeds. And don’t wait until weeds have taken over your cowpea or soybean field.

Scout your farm. Know your crop stage. Identify your weeds. Choose the right product, and follow the recommended timing and rate.

Don’t spray too early. Don’t spray too late. Spray at the right time.

For more information on good agronomic practices:

Download the FarmPropa App, available on Android and iOS, speak with a trusted SARO agro-dealer, or follow SARO Agrosciences on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram for more practical farming tips.

A healthy crop can look promising today and still suffer serious losses tomorrow.

One of the major threats farmers face during the growing season is fungal disease. When conditions are favourable, fungi can spread quickly across a field, damaging leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and grains, and reducing both the quality and quantity of your harvest.

The good news? Early detection and proper crop management can help you stay ahead.

What Causes Fungal Diseases?

Fungal diseases thrive when the right conditions come together. Excess moisture, prolonged rainfall, poor air circulation, overcrowded crops and infected plant materials can all increase the risk of disease.

Some common signs to watch for include:

• Brown, black or yellow spots on leaves
• White, grey or powdery growth on plant surfaces
• Wilting or rotting of plant parts
• Lesions on stems and leaves
• Premature leaf drop
• Poor fruit or grain development
• Discolouration of harvested produce

Once a fungal disease becomes established, it can spread from one plant to another through rain splash, wind, irrigation water, farm tools and infected crop residues.

That is why waiting until the disease becomes severe can cost you valuable yield.

Crops Are Most at Risk When Conditions Are Wet

During periods of frequent rainfall and high humidity, farmers need to pay closer attention to their fields.

Moisture that remains on leaves for long periods creates favourable conditions for many fungal pathogens. Dense crop canopies can make the problem worse because they reduce air movement and slow drying.

Don’t just watch your crops grow, inspect them regularly.

Walk through your farm and check both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, especially areas where moisture tends to remain.

How Can You Protect Your Crops?

1. Start With Good Farm Hygiene

Remove or properly manage infected crop residues after harvest. Leaving heavily infected plant material in the field can allow disease-causing organisms to survive and affect the next crop.

Also, avoid moving contaminated soil, plant material or farm tools from an infected area to a healthy one.

2. Give Your Crops Enough Space

Overcrowded crops create a humid environment within the canopy.

Follow the recommended spacing for your crop to improve air circulation and allow leaves to dry faster after rainfall.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Wetness

Where irrigation is used, avoid practices that keep foliage unnecessarily wet for long periods. Good field drainage is also important, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging.

4. Scout Your Farm Regularly

Don’t wait until you see widespread disease.

Make crop inspection part of your routine. Early signs such as small leaf spots, unusual discolouration or lesions can help you identify a developing problem before it spreads throughout the field.

5. Use Crop Protection Products Correctly

Where a fungal disease has been identified and fungicide treatment is recommended, use a registered product appropriate for the crop and disease, and always follow the label for the correct dose, timing and application method.

For farmers using SARO crop protection solutions, products such as Blue Snow can be part of a well-managed crop protection programme where appropriate. Always confirm the product label and recommended use for your particular crop and disease before application.

Remember: More product does not mean better protection. Applying above the recommended rate can increase costs and may create other crop protection problems.

Protecting Your Harvest Starts Before Disease Appears

Good disease management is not just about spraying.

It is about combining healthy planting materials, proper spacing, field sanitation, good nutrition, regular scouting, proper water management and timely crop protection.

And when disease pressure is high, don’t wait until your crop is already badly affected before taking action.

Your harvest represents months of work, money and effort. Protect it by paying attention to your crop throughout the season.

Don’t Let Fungal Disease Take Your Yield

A disease-free-looking field today is not a guarantee of a disease-free harvest tomorrow.

Scout early. Act early. Farm smart. Protect your yield.

Need guidance on agronomic practices? Download the FarmPropa App, available on Android and iOS, speak with a trusted SARO agro-dealer, or follow SARO Agrosciences on social media more practical farming tips and updates.

Farming is more than putting seeds in the soil. For many Nigerian farmers, it is a business, a source of income, and an opportunity to build something that lasts.

With the right crop, good agronomic practices, access to markets, and proper planning, farmers can improve their earning potential and build more profitable farm enterprises.

So, if you’re already farming or thinking about what to plant next, here are some cash crops worth paying attention to.

1. Rice

Rice remains one of Nigeria’s most important food crops, with strong demand across the country.

From smallholder farms to commercial operations, rice production presents opportunities for farmers, especially in areas with suitable soil, water availability, and access to markets.

Farmers looking to get better returns should pay attention to choosing suitable varieties, proper land preparation, good water management, weed control, and timely harvesting.

2. Maize

Maize is one of the crops Nigerians use every day, whether for food, livestock feed or industrial purposes.

Its relatively short production cycle and strong demand make it an attractive crop for farmers. However, profitability depends greatly on yield, input management and market prices.

Using quality seeds and following recommended planting, fertiliser, pest and weed management practices can help farmers get more from every field.

3. Soybean

Soybean is becoming increasingly important in Nigeria because of its value as both a food and industrial crop.

It is used in animal feed, food processing and other industries, creating opportunities beyond the farm gate.

For farmers considering soybean, good seed selection, appropriate planting time, effective weed management and proper harvesting are important for achieving good yields and quality.

4. Sesame

Sesame is another crop with strong commercial potential.

Its relatively high value and demand in local and international markets make it an interesting option for farmers who have access to suitable land and reliable buyers.

However, farmers should consider market access before planting on a large scale. Knowing who will buy the produce, the expected quality requirements and prevailing prices can make a significant difference.

5. Cocoa

Cocoa remains one of Nigeria’s major agricultural commodities and has long-term income potential for farmers.

Unlike some annual crops, cocoa is a long-term investment. Establishing a productive cocoa farm requires patience, good planting materials, proper spacing, weed management, pest and disease control, and consistent farm maintenance.

For farmers willing to invest for the long term, cocoa can become a valuable source of income.

6. Cassava

Cassava is widely grown across Nigeria and has a strong market because it can be processed into several products.

Beyond fresh roots, cassava can be processed into garri, flour, starch and other products, creating opportunities across the value chain.

This makes cassava particularly interesting for farmers who are close to processors or markets where their harvest can be sold or processed at better value.

7. Pepper

Pepper is another crop with strong demand in Nigerian households and markets.

With good production practices and access to a reliable market, pepper farming can provide attractive returns. Farmers should, however, pay close attention to pest and disease management, water availability and post-harvest handling.

Choosing the Right Cash Crop

A crop being profitable for one farmer does not automatically mean it will be profitable for another.

Before planting, consider:

• Market demand: Who will buy your produce?
• Location: Is your land suitable for the crop?
• Production costs: Can you manage the cost of seed, fertiliser, crop protection, labour and other inputs?
• Yield potential: What can you realistically harvest per hectare?
• Market access: How far is the nearest buyer, processor or market?
• Post-harvest losses: How will you store, transport or process your harvest?
• Timing: When is the best period to plant and when will your produce reach the market?

The Bottom Line

Nigeria’s agricultural sector has opportunities across many crops, but profitable farming requires more than choosing a crop with a good market price.

The real opportunity is in combining the right crop with the right practices, the right inputs and the right market strategy.

Whether you are growing rice, maize, soybean, sesame, cocoa, cassava or pepper, every decision, from seed selection to weed and pest management,can affect your final yield and returns.

Planning your next planting season? Start with the crop, understand the market, and farm with purpose.

Follow Saro Agrosciences across all social media channels for more farming tips, product updates and market insights.Download the FarmPropa app today  available on Android and iOS  for expert farming guidance right on your phone.