Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Kale (Sukuma Wiki) (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.61 g/kg, P 37.7 mg/kg, K 407 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Garissa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 20/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Kale (Sukuma Wiki) crop here can gross roughly KES 100,000 per acre.

1Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientGarissa soilKale (Sukuma Wiki) needsStatus
pH7.9657Adjust
Nitrogen0.61 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus37.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium407 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
First Harvest & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting & Top Dressing

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting

Dry Season

Month 1
Irrigation & Continuous Harvesting
Month 2
Top Dressing Every 3 Weeks
Month 3
Replanting if stand is old

Recommended seed varieties

Thousand HeadedMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 60-70 days · 100-120 bags/acre
Continuous harvesting up to 9 months.
Collard Mfalme F1Medium/Highland
Royal Seeds · 45-60 days · 140-160 bags/acre
High yielding hybrid; soft large leaves.

Economics

Market priceKES 20/kg
Expected yield5,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 100,000/acre

Preferred textureClay 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