Growing Cowpeas in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
West Pokot County is a solid choice for Cowpeas, with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–8 band Cowpeas prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. Cowpeas's full potential is about 450 kg/acre (~KES 29,250/acre at KES 65/kg), but at West Pokot's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 399 kg/acre (~KES 25,935/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | West Pokot soil | Cowpeas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag