Growing Moringa in Bomet

Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile

Bomet County is a challenging environment for Moringa (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Moringa prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Moringa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Moringa prefers sandy loam soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1900 m, the county sits above Moringa's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Moringa's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Bomet's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,900 kg/acre (~KES 190,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

38Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorBomet soilMoringa needsStatus
pH6.0268OK
Nitrogen1.38 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus23.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium237 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,500 mm400–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,900 m0–1,400 mHigh

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Pruning
Month 3
Leaf Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Pruning
Month 3
Leaf Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per year
Instruction
Drought-hardy — minimal feeding. Top-dress after heavy cuttings for leaf regrowth.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Economics

Market priceKES 100/kg
Expected yield in Bomet1,900 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 190,000/acre
Adjusted for Bomet's 38/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Moringa can reach 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag