Growing Garden Peas in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Garden Peas. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Garden Peas a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Meru County is a solid choice for Garden Peas, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Garden Peas's preferred 5.5–7 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 Garden Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Garden Peas prefers sandy loam soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Garden Peas is the #19 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Garden Peas's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 362,500/acre at KES 145/kg), but at Meru's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,219 kg/acre (~KES 321,755/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

71Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMeru soilGarden Peas needsStatus
pH4.885.57Adjust
Nitrogen1.22 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus20.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium218 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm800–2,100 mmOK
Altitude1,500 m1,500–2,600 mOK

Recommended seed varieties

Njabini (PI Moto super)Highland 1500-2600m
Simlaw Seeds · 60-90 days · 8-9 bags/acre
Dual purpose (fresh & dry); drought tolerant; requires vertical trailing.
GreenwichHighland 1600-2600m
Agventure Limited / RAGT · 90-120 days · 5-19 bags/acre
Large green grain; dual purpose; good soakability & rapid cookability.
KWS KariokaHighland 1600-2600m
Agventure Limited / KWS · 90-120 days · 5-17 bags/acre
Medium green grain; dual purpose; good color retention.
Blue MoonHighland 1200-2400m
Maribo DK · 120 days · 13-18 bags/acre
Good lodging resistance; strong straw; French-bred (2016).

Economics

Market priceKES 145/kg
Expected yield in Meru2,219 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 321,755/acre
Adjusted for Meru's 71/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Garden Peas can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 362,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag