Growing Lucerne in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Lucerne. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Lucerne a suitability score of 43/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lucerne is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Siaya's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,300 kg/acre (~KES 120,400/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 | Lucerne needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6.5–8 | 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 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen reads 1.2 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Lucerne is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Siaya
Varieties suited to Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 lucerne varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag