Growing Pigeon Peas in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Pigeon Peas's preferred 5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 510 kg/acre (~KES 38,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 400–900 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen reads 1.23 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi
2 pigeon peas varieties are rated for Tharaka Nithi's altitude (1,100 m) and rainfall (900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag