Growing Coconuts in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Bungoma is poorly suited to Coconuts. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Coconuts a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is a challenging environment for Coconuts (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.56 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8 band Coconuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Coconuts prefers sandy soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1500 m, the county sits above Coconuts's preferred altitude ceiling of 400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Coconuts's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 22/kg), but at Bungoma's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 156 kg/acre (~KES 3,432/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Coconuts needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5.5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 650–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–400 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag