Growing Groundnuts in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Groundnuts (soil-match score 19/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Groundnuts's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Groundnuts, which favours sandy. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Groundnuts's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 400 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Groundnuts crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.