Growing Snow Peas in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Snow Peas (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Snow Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Snow Peas, which favours loam. At 200 m, the county sits below Snow Peas's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. At current prices (about KES 185/kg) and a typical 1,300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Snow Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 240,500 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Kwale soil | Snow Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag