Growing Lucerne in Kilifi

Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile

Kilifi County is a solid choice for Lucerne, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 6.24 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Lucerne prefers clay loam soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Kilifi's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,100 kg/acre (~KES 198,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.