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Studies on the role of nickel (Ni) in photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism, as well as in flavonoid synthesis and biological fixation nitrogen in cowpea crop are scarce. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Ni in metabolism, photosynthesis and nodulation of cowpea plants. A completely randomized experiment was performed in greenhouse, with cowpea plants cultivated under 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 mg kg−1 Ni, as Ni sulfate. In the study the following parameters were evaluated: activity of urease, nitrate reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase; concentration of urea, n-compounds, photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, H 2 O 2 and MDA; estimative of gas exchange, and biomass as plants, yield and weight of 100 seeds. At whole-plant level, Ni affected root biomass, number of seeds per pot, and yield, increasing it at 0.5 mg kg−1 and leading to inhibition at 2–3 mg kg−1 (e.g. number of seeds per pot and nodulation). The whole-plant level enhancement by 0.5 mg Ni kg−1 occurred along with increased photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, ureides, and catalase, and decreased hydrogen peroxide concentration. This study presents fundamental new insights regarding Ni effect on N metabolism, and nodulation that can be helpful to increase cowpea yield. Considering the increasing population and its demand for staple food, these results contribute to the enhancement of agricultural techniques that increase crop productivity and help to maintain human food security. • Ni induces hormesis in yield and biomass endpoints in cowpea. • Among other physiological mechanisms revealed, low-dose Ni decreases ROS. • Low-dose Ni also increases chlorophylls, photosynthesis, ureides, and catalase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]