Growing Cowpeas in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Cowpeas can be grown in Nyeri County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.23 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (15.5 mg/kg) and potassium (192 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Nyeri's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 264 kg/acre (~KES 17,160/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.