Growing Lemongrass in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Lemongrass can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemongrass's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lemongrass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lemongrass prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lemongrass's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyandarua's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,700 kg/acre (~KES 342,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.