Growing Pigeon Peas in Murang'a

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

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. 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.