Growing Aloe Vera in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Bungoma County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Aloe Vera's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.12 g/kg), phosphorus (15.7 mg/kg) and potassium (161 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Aloe Vera prefers sandy loam soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Bungoma's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,250 kg/acre (~KES 210,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.