Growing Lettuce in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Lettuce can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lettuce's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lettuce, which favours loam. Lettuce's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 350,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kakamega's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,813 kg/acre (~KES 240,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.