Growing Groundnuts in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Groundnuts (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Groundnuts's preferred 5–7 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 Groundnuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Groundnuts, which favours sandy. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Groundnuts's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Groundnuts's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Samburu's 26/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 163 kg/acre (~KES 14,670/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.