Growing Pigeon Peas in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is well suited to Pigeon Peas, scoring 92/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Baringo is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pigeon Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 37,500 per acre.

92Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientBaringo soilPigeon Peas needsStatus
pH6.2258OK
Nitrogen1.32 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus23.4 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium212 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Pigeon peas fix atmospheric Nitrogen. No top dressing needed.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

ICEAP 00040Dryland
ICRISAT/KALRO · 150-180 days · 6-8 bags/acre
Early maturing; resistant to fusarium wilt.
KAT 60/8Dryland/Medium
KALRO · 120-150 days · 5-7 bags/acre
Short-duration; good for intercropping with maize.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 37,500/acre

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag