Growing Lentils in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Lentils. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Lentils a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Lentils (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Lentils's minimum of 350 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #70 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Wajir's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8 kg/acre (~KES 1,440/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 350–800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 1,200–2,400 m | Low |
Seed varieties for Wajir
2 lentils varieties are rated for Wajir's altitude (250 m) and rainfall (200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag