Growing Cowpeas in Isiolo
Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Isiolo is moderately suited to Cowpeas. Isiolo's soil (pH 7.83, alkaline) gives Cowpeas a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Isiolo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Isiolo County is a solid choice for Cowpeas, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 7.83 — alkaline and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cowpeas is the #5 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Isiolo's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 377 kg/acre (~KES 24,505/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Isiolo soil | Cowpeas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.83 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.46 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 395 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 250–700 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag