Growing Dolichos in Mandera
Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Mandera is poorly suited to Dolichos. Mandera's soil (pH 8.38, alkaline) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Mandera's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mandera County is a challenging environment for Dolichos (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Dolichos's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Dolichos, which favours sandy loam. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Dolichos's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #65 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Mandera's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8 kg/acre (~KES 960/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mandera soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.38 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.53 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 38.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 180 mm | 400–1,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 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