Growing Pigeon Peas in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Uasin Gishu is moderately suited to Pigeon Peas. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 61/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Uasin Gishu County is a solid choice for Pigeon Peas, with a soil-match score of 61/100. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Pigeon Peas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pigeon Peas prefers sandy soils, while Uasin Gishu is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 458 kg/acre (~KES 34,350/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

61Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorUasin Gishu soilPigeon Peas needsStatus
pH6.3958OK
Nitrogen1.56 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.3 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium227 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm400–900 mmHigh
Altitude2,100 m0–1,800 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Pigeon peas fix atmospheric Nitrogen. No top dressing needed.
Bags per acre in Uasin Gishu
0

Uasin Gishu's nitrogen reads 1.56 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Pigeon Peas is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.

Recommended seed varieties

No variety in our list is specifically rated for Uasin Gishu's 2,100 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.

ICEAP 00040Dryland
ICRISAT/KALRO · 150-180 days · 6-8 bags/acre
Early maturing; resistant to fusarium wilt.
KAT 60/8Dryland/Medium
KALRO · 120-150 days · 5-7 bags/acre
Short-duration; good for intercropping with maize.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield in Uasin Gishu458 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 34,350/acre
Adjusted for Uasin Gishu's 61/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pigeon Peas can reach 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag