Growing Lucerne in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Lucerne can be grown in Kisumu County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Kisumu's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,700 kg/acre (~KES 131,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.