Growing Dolichos in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Dolichos. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 59/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Dolichos can be grown in Kisii County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.21 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dolichos prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #52 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Kisii's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 443 kg/acre (~KES 53,160/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kisii's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 400–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen reads 1.09 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Dolichos is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Kisii
Varieties suited to Kisii's 1,700 m altitude and 1,500 mm annual rainfall — 6 of 6 dolichos varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag