Growing Dolichos in Laikipia
Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Laikipia is moderately suited to Dolichos. Laikipia's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 73/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Laikipia County is a solid choice for Dolichos, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Dolichos's preferred 5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #7 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Laikipia County. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dolichos crop here can gross roughly KES 72,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Laikipia soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.42 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 215 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 400–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Laikipia
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Laikipia's nitrogen reads 1.42 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Dolichos is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Laikipia
6 dolichos varieties are rated for Laikipia's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (600 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag