Growing Dolichos in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Vihiga is only marginally suited to Dolichos. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 52/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Dolichos can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dolichos prefers sandy loam soils, while Vihiga is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #65 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Dolichos's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 72,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Vihiga's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 390 kg/acre (~KES 46,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Vihiga's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Coffee (Arabica) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 400–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag