Growing Pigeon Peas in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Trans Nzoia is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 66/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 66/100. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #72 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 495 kg/acre (~KES 37,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Pigeon Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen reads 1.68 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
Varieties suited to Trans Nzoia's 1,900 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 pigeon peas varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag