Growing Pigeon Peas in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

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. 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.