Growing Snow Peas in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Snow Peas (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Snow Peas's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Snow Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Snow Peas prefers loam soils, while Marsabit is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Snow Peas's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 185/kg) and a typical 1,300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Snow Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 240,500 per acre.