Growing Lucerne in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.95 — alkaline and inside the 6.5–8 band Lucerne prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Lucerne prefers clay loam soils, while Turkana is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lucerne's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Turkana'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.