Growing Tea in Elgeyo Marakwet
Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Elgeyo Marakwet is moderately suited to Tea. Elgeyo Marakwet's soil (pH 6.27, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to Elgeyo Marakwet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Elgeyo Marakwet County is a solid choice for Tea, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 6.27 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.39 g/kg), phosphorus (22.2 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Elgeyo Marakwet County. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Elgeyo Marakwet's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,760 kg/acre (~KES 44,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Elgeyo Marakwet soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.27 | 4.5–6 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.39 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,800 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Elgeyo Marakwet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Elgeyo Marakwet's nitrogen (1.39 g/kg) already meets Tea's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Elgeyo Marakwet
Varieties suited to Elgeyo Marakwet's 1,800 m altitude and 1,000 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 tea varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag