Growing Snow Peas in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Snow Peas (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Snow Peas's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Snow Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Snow Peas prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Snow Peas's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Snow Peas's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 333,000/acre at KES 185/kg), but at Samburu's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 113 kg/acre (~KES 20,905/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.