Growing Cowpeas in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.03 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Murang'a's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 248 kg/acre (~KES 16,120/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.