Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Site Selection & Field Layout

Site selection and field plot layout are important components of experimentations and require adequate attention. Poor site selections and field layouts are major sources of heterogeneity in experimental fields and can have adverse effects on the data quality. This SOP describes the standard processes to be followed in the cowpea breeding programs to ensure appropriate sites are chosen for experiments and the field plot layouts are appropriate. This document describes standard operating procedures (SOPs) for careful selection of sites for setting cowpea trials. This is a living document that will continuously be updated to reflect the most current advances in the cowpea breeding programs.