Growing Pineapple in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is a challenging environment for Pineapple (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6.5 band Pineapple prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Pineapple's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pineapple, which favours sandy loam. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Pineapple's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 35/kg) and a typical 30,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pineapple crop here can gross roughly KES 1,050,000 per acre.