Growing Pigeon Peas in Kirinyaga

Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile

Pigeon Peas can be grown in Kirinyaga County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.31 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.36 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (177 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Kirinyaga 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 Kirinyaga's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 435 kg/acre (~KES 32,625/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.