Growing Pigeon Peas in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (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 Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kakamega's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 308 kg/acre (~KES 23,100/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.