Growing Dolichos in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Dolichos. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 48/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Dolichos can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dolichos prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #67 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Kakamega's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 360 kg/acre (~KES 43,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 400–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag