Growing Cowpeas in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 65/kg) and a typical 350 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cowpeas crop here can gross roughly KES 22,750 per acre.