Growing Garden Peas in Kitui

Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile

Kitui County is a challenging environment for Garden Peas (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Garden Peas's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.74 g/kg), phosphorus (30.5 mg/kg) and potassium (339 mg/kg) all meet Garden Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Garden Peas, which favours sandy loam. Kitui receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Garden Peas's minimum of 800 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 145/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Garden Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 290,000 per acre.