Growing Cowpeas in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Cowpeas can be grown in Kisumu County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu 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 Kisumu's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 287 kg/acre (~KES 18,655/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.