Growing Lentils in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Lentils. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Lentils a suitability score of 33/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Lentils (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #21 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Samburu's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 248 kg/acre (~KES 44,640/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 | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 350–800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,200–2,400 m | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag