Growing Pigeon Peas in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nandi is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #72 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Nandi's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 33,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen reads 1.37 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Nandi
Varieties suited to Nandi's 1,900 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 pigeon peas varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag