Growing Cowpeas in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.29 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (175 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Busia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Busia's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 208 kg/acre (~KES 13,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.