Growing Groundnuts in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Groundnuts (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Groundnuts's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (37.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Groundnuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Groundnuts, which favours sandy. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Groundnuts's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 400 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Groundnuts crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.