Growing Tea in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes — Bungoma is well suited to Tea. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 89/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is well suited to Tea, scoring 89/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.56 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6 band Tea prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #10 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 2,200 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tea crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 4.5–6 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Tea needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
All 2 listed tea varieties shown — none are specifically rated for Bungoma's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag