Growing Green Grams in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Green Grams (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8 band Green Grams prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Green Grams, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Green Grams crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Vihiga soil | Green Grams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.5–8 | 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 |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag