Growing Cowpeas in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Cowpeas can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.33 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.1 mg/kg) and potassium (134 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cowpeas prefers sandy soils, while Siaya is largely clay loam, 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 Siaya's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 270 kg/acre (~KES 17,550/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.