Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Elgeyo Marakwet

Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile

Elgeyo Marakwet County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 17/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.27 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Coffee (Robusta) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.39 g/kg), phosphorus (22.2 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Robusta)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Elgeyo Marakwet receives approximately 1000 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Elgeyo Marakwet's 17/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 202 kg/acre (~KES 16,160/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.