Growing Tea in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.22 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Tea's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Baringo's 11/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 303 kg/acre (~KES 7,575/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.