Growing Lucerne in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

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. 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.