Growing Cowpeas in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Cowpeas's minimum of 250 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cowpeas is the #5 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Mandera's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 158 kg/acre (~KES 10,270/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.