Growing Pigeon Peas in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Pigeon Peas. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Pigeon Peas a suitability score of 14/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Pigeon Peas (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Pigeon Peas'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 Pigeon Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pigeon Peas, which favours sandy. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Pigeon Peas's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pigeon Peas is the #13 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Pigeon Peas's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Wajir's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 105 kg/acre (~KES 7,875/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 | Pigeon Peas 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 | 400–900 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