Growing Lucerne in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Lucerne can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 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 Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lucerne prefers clay loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 6,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lucerne crop here can gross roughly KES 182,000 per acre.