Growing Dolichos in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bomet is moderately suited to Dolichos. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 70/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a solid choice for Dolichos, with a soil-match score of 70/100. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dolichos prefers sandy loam soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #62 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Bomet's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 525 kg/acre (~KES 63,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 400–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag