Growing Cowpeas in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.21 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 65/kg) and a typical 350 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cowpeas crop here can gross roughly KES 22,750 per acre.