Growing Lemongrass in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Lemongrass. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Lemongrass a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a solid choice for Lemongrass, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemongrass's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Lemongrass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lemongrass, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lemongrass is the #23 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Lemongrass's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kisii's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,100 kg/acre (~KES 426,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Lemongrass needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Lemongrass's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag