Growing Lucerne in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Trans Nzoia is only marginally suited to Lucerne. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Lucerne a suitability score of 54/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lucerne is the #82 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,400 kg/acre (~KES 151,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Trans Nzoia's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Finger Millet, and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Lucerne needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen reads 1.68 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Lucerne is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
Varieties suited to Trans Nzoia's 1,900 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 lucerne varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag