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. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Garissa's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,200 kg/acre (~KES 89,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.