Pigeon pea climatic requirements

The pigeon pea is susceptible to frost damage at all stages of growth.. The most favourable temperature range is between 18-29°C (64-85°F).  For best seed yields bright sunshine is essential. excessive cloud or shade produces spindly growth and poor seed set. There are short day, day neutral and intermediate varieties in the wild.  They will not grow in areas that are higher than 1800 m.

An average rainfall between 600-100mm is most suitable. high yields are obtained when there is good rainfall during the first t 2 months of growth followed by a dry period during the flowering and harvesting . The pigeon pea is quite drought resistant.

The pigeon pea can be grown on a wide range of soil types provided that they are not deficient in lime and are well drained. They cannot withstand waterlogged conditions. For optimum results deep loam, almost neutral soils are best. To low pH will inhibit nodulation and the plants bay become chlorotic or suffer dieback. They are sensitive to deficiencies of phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

Wind can be a problem but if they are planted in double rows they can survive. They are sensitive to salty spray from either soils or the sea. They do not grow well along the sea.