Growing Pigeon Peas in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Pigeon Peas'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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Laikipia's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 510 kg/acre (~KES 38,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.