Growing Green Grams in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Green Grams. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Green Grams a suitability score of 31/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Green Grams (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 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 (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Green Grams prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Green Grams's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Green Grams is the #91 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Green Grams's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Nyandarua's 31/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 155 kg/acre (~KES 18,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Green Grams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen reads 1.28 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Green Grams is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag