Growing Lucerne in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kiambu is only marginally suited to Lucerne. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Lucerne a suitability score of 48/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Lucerne can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Kiambu's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,800 kg/acre (~KES 134,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Lucerne needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 6.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag