Growing Lucerne in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Lucerne can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Lucerne's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. 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.