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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Groundnuts is the #31 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Groundnuts's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Marsabit's 20/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 125 kg/acre (~KES 11,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

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