Growing Cowpeas in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Cowpeas. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Cowpeas a suitability score of 36/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cowpeas is the #5 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at Wajir's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 203 kg/acre (~KES 13,195/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Cowpeas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 250–700 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag