Growing Lemon in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Lemon. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Lemon a suitability score of 57/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lemon can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lemon's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lemon, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lemon is the #49 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Lemon's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kakamega's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,125 kg/acre (~KES 356,250/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 | Lemon needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 600–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Lemon needs, so the standard 0.6 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag