Dolichos farming guide — Kenya

Soil requirements, top counties, seed varieties, fertilizer plan & economics

Interested in starting or scaling dolichos farming in Kenya? This comprehensive guide maps out the optimal soil requirements (such as target pH ranges), the most suitable counties for growing dolichos, certified seed varieties, seasonal fertilizer guidelines, and a detailed per-acre production budget to set you up for a successful harvest.

Soil requirements

pH range
5–7.5
Nitrogen
low
Phosphorus
low
Potassium
low
Preferred texture: Sandy Loam

Optimizing soil and fertilizers for Dolichos in Kenya

To achieve maximum yields when farming dolichos in Kenya, managing soil suitability is crucial. This crop performs best within a soil pH range of 5 to 7.5. Soils that fall outside this range can lock out essential macro and micro-nutrients, leading to stunted growth or crop failure. For acidic soils, applying dolomitic or calcitic agricultural lime is recommended at least 30 days before planting to normalize acidity.

Fertilizer application should be calibrated based on the crop’s nutrient demands. Dolichos has a low nitrogen requirement, low phosphorus requirement, and low potassium demand. Using certified seed varieties suited for your specific altitude and rainfall pattern, combined with a precise basal and top-dressing program (such as applying None at None required), ensures high crop quality and protects your overall farm investment.

Best counties for Dolichos

Challenging counties for Dolichos

These counties may need soil amendments for Dolichos

Certified seed varieties

Njahi BlackMedium/Highland
KALRO · 90-120 days · 8-12 bags/acre
Black hyacinth bean (njahi); popular in Central Kenya; high protein; nitrogen-fixing soil improver.
DL 1002Dryland/Medium
KALRO · 90-110 days · 7-11 bags/acre
Improved dual-purpose lablab; grain and fodder; tolerant to drought and low fertility.
Eldoret BrownMedium
KALRO · 100-130 days · 8-13 bags/acre
Brown-seeded selection; vigorous; good for intercropping with maize.
ELDO-KT Black 1Medium/Highland 10-2000m
University of Eldoret · 135-150 days · 14-22 bags/acre
Black seeded; short cooking time; uniform maturity.
ELDO-KT CreamMedium/Highland 10-2000m
University of Eldoret · 120-135 days · 16-25 bags/acre
Cream seeded; early maturity; good flavor; short cooking time.
ELDO-KT Black 2Medium/Highland 10-2000m
University of Eldoret · 120-135 days · 16-29 bags/acre
Black seeded; medium maturity; robust growth.

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Sowing & DAP Basal Fertilizer (NO CAN — nitrogen fixer)
Month 2
Weeding & Vine Support if needed
Month 3
Pod Fill & Harvesting

Short Rains

Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer (no CAN)
Month 2
Weeding & Pest Scouting
Month 3
Harvesting & Seed Drying

Dry Season

Month 1
Post-Harvest seed storage
Month 2
Land Resting (N benefit remains in soil)
Month 3
Seed Selection & preparation

Economics

Market priceKES 120/kg
Expected yield500 kg/acre

Est. revenueKES 60,000/acre

Top dressing

Product: None
Timing: None required
Bags/acre: 0

Dolichos (njahi) fixes its own nitrogen through rhizobia. Do NOT apply CAN — it suppresses nodulation and reduces yield. A starter dose of phosphorus at planting is enough.

Fertilizer prices

DAPKES 2,500
CANKES 2,500
NPK 17:17:17KES 2,500
UreaKES 2,500
LimeKES 1,500

Subsidized price / 50kg bag

Check your county for Dolichos