Growing Lucerne in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 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 Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lucerne prefers clay loam soils, while Marsabit is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 6,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lucerne crop here can gross roughly KES 182,000 per acre.