Growing Spinach in Garissa
Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile
Garissa County is a challenging environment for Spinach (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Spinach's preferred 6–7.5 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. Spinach prefers loam soils, while Garissa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Spinach's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Spinach crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Garissa soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.96 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.61 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 407 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag