Growing Broccoli in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Baringo is poorly suited to Broccoli. Baringo's soil (pH 6.22, slightly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 17/100. Match fertilizer to Baringo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Baringo County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 17/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Broccoli prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Broccoli's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 900 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #103 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Baringo County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Baringo's 17/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,275 kg/acre (~KES 114,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Baringo's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Finger Millet, and Groundnuts — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Baringo soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 800–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag