Growing Carrot in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Carrot (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Carrot's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet Carrot's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Carrot, which favours sandy loam. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Carrot's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 38/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Carrot crop here can gross roughly KES 209,000 per acre.

0Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientGarissa soilCarrot needsStatus
pH7.965.57Adjust
Nitrogen0.61 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus37.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium407 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 80-100 bags/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 70-90 bags/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield5,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 209,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag