Growing Lentils in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Lentils. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Lentils a suitability score of 62/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a solid choice for Lentils, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lentils'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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lentils prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #42 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Nyandarua's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 465 kg/acre (~KES 83,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 350–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 1,200–2,400 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag