Growing Stevia in Embu

Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile

Embu County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Embu's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,325 kg/acre (~KES 465,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.