Growing Lucerne in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Nyamira's 31/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,100 kg/acre (~KES 86,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.