Growing Cowpeas in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Cowpeas's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 65/kg) and a typical 350 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cowpeas crop here can gross roughly KES 22,750 per acre.