Growing Okra in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bungoma is only marginally suited to Okra. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Okra a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Okra can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Okra is the #79 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Bungoma's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,188 kg/acre (~KES 191,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bungoma's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Okra needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) already meets Okra's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag