Growing Tea in Elgeyo Marakwet

Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile

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. 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.