Growing Pigeon Peas in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #59 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kisumu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 503 kg/acre (~KES 37,725/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen reads 0.91 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag