Growing Green Grams in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Green Grams (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Green Grams's preferred 5.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Green Grams prefers sandy loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Green Grams's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Murang'a's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 210 kg/acre (~KES 25,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.