Growing Lucerne in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.96 — alkaline and inside the 6.5–8 band Lucerne prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lucerne prefers clay loam soils, while Garissa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Lucerne's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 6,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lucerne crop here can gross roughly KES 182,000 per acre.