Growing Lucerne in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Lucerne can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 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 Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 6,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lucerne crop here can gross roughly KES 182,000 per acre.