Growing Lucerne in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Meru is poorly suited to Lucerne. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Lucerne a suitability score of 36/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 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 Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lucerne is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Meru's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,600 kg/acre (~KES 100,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Meru's soil: Tea, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Lucerne needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen reads 1.22 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Lucerne is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Meru
Varieties suited to Meru's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 lucerne varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag