Growing Garden Peas in Isiolo
Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Isiolo is poorly suited to Garden Peas. Isiolo's soil (pH 7.83, alkaline) gives Garden Peas a suitability score of 4/100. Match fertilizer to Isiolo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Garden Peas (soil-match score 4/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Garden Peas's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Garden Peas, which favours sandy loam. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Garden Peas's minimum of 800 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Garden Peas is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Garden Peas's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 362,500/acre at KES 145/kg), but at Isiolo's 4/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 125 kg/acre (~KES 18,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Isiolo's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Isiolo soil | Garden Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.83 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.46 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 395 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 800–2,100 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,500–2,600 m | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag