Growing Lucerne in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bomet is only marginally suited to Lucerne. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Lucerne a suitability score of 41/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.02 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lucerne is the #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Bomet's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,100 kg/acre (~KES 114,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Lucerne needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 6.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen reads 1.38 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Lucerne is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Bomet
Varieties suited to Bomet's 1,900 m altitude and 1,500 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 lucerne varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag