Growing Lentils in Marsabit
Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Marsabit is poorly suited to Lentils. Marsabit's soil (pH 8.22, alkaline) gives Lentils a suitability score of 37/100. Match fertilizer to Marsabit's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Lentils (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #14 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Marsabit's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 278 kg/acre (~KES 50,040/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 | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.22 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 350–800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,200–2,400 m | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag