Growing Lentils in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Lentils (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 180/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lentils crop here can gross roughly KES 108,000 per acre.