Growing Stevia in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Stevia (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Stevia'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. Stevia 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 Stevia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Garissa's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 38 kg/acre (~KES 7,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.