Growing Lemongrass in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Lemongrass can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lemongrass's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lemongrass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Lemongrass, which favours loam. Lemongrass's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Laikipia's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.