Growing Lentils in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kisii is only marginally suited to Lentils. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Lentils a suitability score of 40/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a challenging environment for Lentils (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lentils'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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lentils 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, Lentils is the #83 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Kisii's 40/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 300 kg/acre (~KES 54,000/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 | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 350–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,200–2,400 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag