Growing Pigeon Peas in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Pigeon Peas's preferred 5–8 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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pigeon Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 37,500 per acre.