Growing Dolichos in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Dolichos. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 4/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Dolichos (soil-match score 4/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.93 g/kg), phosphorus (9.8 mg/kg) and potassium (131 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Dolichos, which favours sandy loam. At 200 m, the county sits below Dolichos's preferred altitude range (1000–2100 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #78 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Kwale's 4/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 30 kg/acre (~KES 3,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kwale's soil: Dhania, Pigeon Peas, and Mango — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 400–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,000–2,100 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag