Growing Lentils in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 180/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lentils crop here can gross roughly KES 108,000 per acre.