Growing Broccoli in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Embu is poorly suited to Broccoli. Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 34/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Embu County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Embu's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,550 kg/acre (~KES 229,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Embu's soil: Pineapple, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag