Growing Pigeon Peas in Marsabit
Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Marsabit is poorly suited to Pigeon Peas. Marsabit's soil (pH 8.22, alkaline) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 34/100. Match fertilizer to Marsabit's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #18 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Marsabit's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 255 kg/acre (~KES 19,125/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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Marsabit soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.22 | 5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 400–900 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag