Growing Pigeon Peas in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.95 — alkaline and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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/low/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pigeon Peas crop here can gross roughly KES 37,500 per acre.