Growing Green Grams in Kirinyaga

Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile

Kirinyaga County is a challenging environment for Green Grams (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.31 the soil is moderately acidic, below Green Grams's preferred 5.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.36 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (177 mg/kg) all meet Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Green Grams prefers sandy loam soils, while Kirinyaga is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Green Grams crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.