Growing Mango in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Bomet is poorly suited to Mango. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Mango a suitability score of 28/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1900 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Mango is the #103 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Bomet's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,800 kg/acre (~KES 28,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5.5–8.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,200 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Mango's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Bomet's 1,900 m altitude and 1,500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag