Growing Pigeon Peas in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (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 Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, 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 Kericho's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 270 kg/acre (~KES 20,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.