Growing Lentils in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Lentils. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Lentils a suitability score of 59/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Lentils can be grown in Homa Bay County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.05 g/kg), phosphorus (13.8 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lentils prefers sandy loam soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #66 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Homa Bay's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 443 kg/acre (~KES 79,740/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Homa Bay's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 350–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,200–2,400 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag