Growing Dolichos in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dolichos crop here can gross roughly KES 60,000 per acre.