Growing Cowpeas in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Samburu is moderately suited to Cowpeas. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Cowpeas a suitability score of 58/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Cowpeas can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cowpeas is the #6 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Samburu's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 326 kg/acre (~KES 21,190/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Cowpeas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 250–700 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag