Growing Cowpeas in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, 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 Kericho's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 203 kg/acre (~KES 13,195/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.