Growing Dolichos in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Dolichos. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 34/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Dolichos (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Dolichos's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Dolichos, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #19 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Samburu's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 255 kg/acre (~KES 30,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 400–1,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,000–2,100 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag