Growing Pigeon Peas in Mandera
Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Mandera is poorly suited to Pigeon Peas. Mandera's soil (pH 8.38, alkaline) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 11/100. Match fertilizer to Mandera's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mandera County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Pigeon Peas'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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Pigeon Peas's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #13 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Mandera's 11/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 83 kg/acre (~KES 6,225/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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mandera soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.38 | 5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.53 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 38.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 180 mm | 400–900 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag