Growing Pigeon Peas in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Pigeon Peas can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Pigeon Peas'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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Meru's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 360 kg/acre (~KES 27,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.