Growing Pigeon Peas in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nyandarua is only marginally suited to Pigeon Peas. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 42/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Pigeon Peas's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #79 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Nyandarua's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 315 kg/acre (~KES 23,625/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen reads 1.28 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag