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 20/100) 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. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 950 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coffee (Robusta) crop here can gross roughly KES 76,000 per acre.