Growing Lentils in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 180/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lentils crop here can gross roughly KES 108,000 per acre.