Growing Moringa in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Moringa can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Moringa'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 Moringa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Moringa prefers sandy loam soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Moringa's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Bungoma's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,750 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

55Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorBungoma soilMoringa needsStatus
pH5.5668Adjust
Nitrogen1.12 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus15.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium161 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm400–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,500 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 Bungoma2,750 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 275,000/acre
Adjusted for Bungoma's 55/100 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