Growing Green Grams in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Samburu is moderately suited to Green Grams. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Green Grams a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a solid choice for Green Grams, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Green Grams's preferred 5.5–8 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 Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Green Grams, which favours sandy loam. Green Grams's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Samburu's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 310 kg/acre (~KES 37,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Green Grams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5.5–8 | 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 | 250–700 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag