Growing Pigeon Peas in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

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. 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.