Growing Grapes in Bomet

Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile

Grapes can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Grapes prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Grapes's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Grapes, which favours loam. Grapes's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Bomet's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,700 kg/acre (~KES 855,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.