Growing Pigeon Peas in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 58/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Pigeon Peas can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.03 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #62 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Murang'a's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 435 kg/acre (~KES 32,625/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Murang'a's nitrogen reads 1.2 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Murang'a
Varieties suited to Murang'a's 1,500 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 pigeon peas varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag