Growing Green Grams in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Green Grams (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Green Grams's preferred 5.5–8 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 Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Green Grams, which favours sandy loam. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Green Grams's minimum of 250 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Green Grams crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.