Growing Lucerne in Murang'a

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

Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 168 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay 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.