Growing Pigeon Peas in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Pigeon Peas'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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Samburu's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 330 kg/acre (~KES 24,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.