Growing Lentils in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Lentils. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Lentils a suitability score of 55/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Lentils can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.1 mg/kg) and potassium (134 mg/kg) all meet Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lentils prefers sandy loam soils, while Siaya is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #73 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Siaya's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 413 kg/acre (~KES 74,340/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 350–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,200–2,400 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag