Growing Pigeon Peas in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.96 — alkaline and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Pigeon Peas's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. 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.