Growing Lentils in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 180/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lentils crop here can gross roughly KES 108,000 per acre.