Growing Cowpeas in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega 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 Kakamega's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 231 kg/acre (~KES 15,015/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.