Growing Dolichos in Marsabit
Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Marsabit is poorly suited to Dolichos. Marsabit's soil (pH 8.22, alkaline) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 32/100. Match fertilizer to Marsabit's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Dolichos (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Dolichos's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (37.3 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #20 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Marsabit's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 240 kg/acre (~KES 28,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Marsabit's soil: Sisal, Chia, and Aloe Vera — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Marsabit soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.22 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 400–1,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag