Growing Stevia in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Embu is moderately suited to Stevia. Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 62/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #50 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Stevia 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 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 500–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Embu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Embu's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) is 87% of the 1.2 g/kg Stevia needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag