Which county is best for Lucerne farming in Kenya?

Based on soil and climate suitability analysis, the top counties for Lucerne are Machakos, Kitui, Makueni. Scores combine soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against Lucerne's nutrient requirements, plus a rainfall and altitude multiplier that penalises counties outside the crop's climate range.

What soil pH does Lucerne need?

Lucerne grows best between pH 6.5 and 8. Counties whose soils fall outside this range will need lime (if acidic) or sulphur (if alkaline) before planting.

What is the expected yield per acre for Lucerne in Kenya?

A well-managed Lucerne crop yields about 8,000 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 28/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 224,000.

Best counties to grow Lucerne in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Lucerne — scored against pH 6.5–8 target, low nitrogen, medium phosphorus, high potassium, plus rainfall (400–800 mm) and altitude (0–2500 m) requirements.

Click any county to see the full fertilizer plan, planting calendar, and seed varieties.

Quick answer

The best counties for Lucerne in Kenya are Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, based on soil and climate suitability. Lucerne grows best at pH 6.5–8; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.