Growing Lentils in Mandera
Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Mandera is poorly suited to Lentils. Mandera's soil (pH 8.38, alkaline) gives Lentils 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 Lentils (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Lentils's minimum of 350 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #66 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Mandera's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8 kg/acre (~KES 1,440/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 | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.38 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.53 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 38.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 180 mm | 350–800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 1,200–2,400 m | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag