Growing Cowpeas in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Cowpeas, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Laikipia's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 383 kg/acre (~KES 24,895/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.