Growing Pigeon Peas in Nakuru
Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile
Nakuru County is well suited to Pigeon Peas, scoring 93/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Nakuru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pigeon Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 37,500 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Nakuru soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.28 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.59 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 239 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag